One evening in El Paso, as I drove through the city, I found myself reflecting on my 25-year career in law enforcement. The memories of countless FBI assignments across the nation, the criminals brought to justice, and the dangerous situations I faced were fresh in my mind. But what stood out most was a stark realization: the need to prevent tragedies like the 2019 Walmart shooting in El Paso, which shook our community to its core.
The event was a turning point, a reminder that law enforcement’s traditional reactive approach—responding to crimes after they occur—was no longer sufficient. The community needed more. We knew that the knowledge and experience we had gained over decades could be the key to making a difference before the next tragedy struck. It was clear that we had to shift from reaction to prevention, to harden potential targets and equip individuals and organizations with the skills to respond effectively to active threats.
With this mission in mind, we reached out to trusted colleagues—current and retired FBI special agents, officers from various federal agencies, police officers, and security professionals. Together, we shared a common drive: to give back to the community, to protect it from the senseless violence we had all witnessed too many times. This collective determination was the genesis of this venture.
As I embarked on this mission, I found inspiration in the lyrics of the song “Lateralus” by Tool, particularly the line: “Reaching out to embrace the random, reaching out to embrace whatever may come.” This lyric resonated deeply with me, reflecting our commitment to confronting uncertainty with skill and innovation. It reminded us that true strength comes from our ability to adapt, to innovate, and to face whatever challenges may arise. This ethos is embodied in our motto, Fortis per Artem et Novitas—Strength Through Skill and Innovation. We knew that by leveraging our expertise and continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, we could empower others to do the same.
At Lateralus Group, our commitment is unwavering. We are here to empower our community and beyond, to prevent the next act of violence, and to ensure that no one else has to suffer the way the victims of the 2019 Walmart shooting did. Through strength, skill, and innovation, we will continue to serve, protect, and give back, driven by the lessons of the past and a relentless pursuit of safety for all.
We stay vigilant. We stay prepared. We stay dedicated.
Stay safe!
Fortis per Artem et Novitas
Strength Through Skill and Innovation
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