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Report: Uneven Training For U.S. Building Guards

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A shocking new report reveals inadequate security at federal buildings. A government watchdog group says when a gunman killed 12 people at the Washington Navy Yard, its security guards weren't properly trained for such an attack and that some guards at Maryland's federal facilities aren't either.

Kai Jackson has more on the training lapse.

The security of federal facilities across the country is under the microscope in the wake of recent deadly violence.

"Our hope is that our bill represents a sensible path forward to help protect national security," said Senator Susan Collins.

Last month, 12 people were killed at the Washington Navy Yard in southeast D.C. when gunman and government contractor Aaron Alexis went on the attack. Now lawmakers want to strengthen security clearance background checks.

"I don't think if this would have prevented the Navy Yard shooting but I know it would have given us a much better chance of preventing the Navy Yard shooting," said Senator Claire McCaskill.

The Government Accountability Office is examining the security at federal facilities. There are concerns that many guards aren't trained to respond to active shooters.

In a Government Accountability Office report, investigators say they were unable to determine which guards received active shooter and screener training. That's a big concern in a state like Maryland, which has a number of federal facilities.

There are 35 federal installations across Maryland, including the massive Social Security Administration in Woodlawn.

"How, after 10 years, does the department not have a handle on what measures are in place to secure their own employees?" said Rep. Jeff Duncan.

There are 14,700 security personnel in place to protect those facilities.

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