Virginians take safety into their own hands with active attack training

PURCELLVILLE, Va. — Virginians in Purcellville are taking public safety into their own hands. On Friday, law enforcement taught residents how to respond during an active attack.

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services provides the free training, which was hosted by the Purcellville Police Department.

This comes as many communities across the DMV remain on heightened alert following political violence, violence at schools , and threats made against public figures and facilities.

Over a four-hour course they taught residents how to react to act in an active attack scenario.

"In today's society, it's no longer optional on this sort of preparedness. It's essential,” said Darya Thompson, with the Town of Purcellville.

"With everything going on in the world, it's important