Targeted retrofits cut mass‑attack casualties

Short, focused structural upgrades — blast‑resistant windows, ballistic materials and localized wall reinforcements — can substantially reduce fatalities and give occupants time to evacuate during unexpected attacks. The Pentagon case shows that even work aimed at lower‑scale threats can materially improve outcomes when the threat escalates. — This reframes infrastructure spending: modest, targeted hardening of public buildings is a high‑leverage public safety investment with clear policy trade‑offs for budgeting and preparedness.