ABSTRACT
Shopping and recreational venues are also routinely attacked by terror groups overseas. Security is the last thing on people’s mind when they are having fun and relaxing. These profit-taking soft targets do not want to become fortresses and typically struggle with the challenge of balancing security with a pleasant customer experience. Since the mall massacre in Nairobi a few years ago, attacks at malls have spread, and we’ve had several ISIS-inspired attacks at shopping venues in the US. Al-Qaeda and ISIS have both threatened malls in the US; they are clearly in the crosshairs. Sports venues are always on the target list, as are concerts. The horrific massacre in Las Vegas shows the vulnerability of open-air events, especially when collocated with buildings that can act as shooting platforms. Hotel attacks around the world have increased in the last few years, perpetrated by the same groups threatening us here at home. Finally, museums and other places frequented by tourists are very vulnerable targets.
