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‘Tremendous trauma;’ Local army psychologist, survivor of massacre, discusses terror attacks

New-Orleans-Car-into-Crowd Law enforcement gather in front of the Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon Street, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/George Walker IV) (George Walker IV/AP)

CENTERVILLE — After 15 people were killed in a terrorism attack New Years Day in New Orleans, an army psychologist offers insights on identifying radicalized people and helping traumatized people that attacks like these create.

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News Center 7′s Mike Campbell spoke to Dr. Kathy Platoni from Centerville, a survivor of the Fort Hood massacre who has worked with victims of attacks.

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The Fort Hood massacre was also blamed on a soldier radicalized to Islamic extremism.

“We’re not paying attention, we’re asleep at the wheel and we as the American public need to have our wits about us,” Platoni said.

The goal is to identify threats before they are carried out, but it can be difficult, Platoni says.

The victims and survivors of the attack have a long road ahead of them, Platoni says.

“Tremendous trauma that will follow them the rest of their lives. What they witnessed or just the loss of a loved one, what they heard, how close they were to the scene itself, all of that is going to impact people,” Platoni said.

Platoni recommends counseling for those affected, to help them regain control in their lives.

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