i also talk to those with loved ones or they know someone who's still in lockdown here. here's what they had to say. what are you worried about? >> worried about? survival. >> reporter: frightened residents on lockdown were gradually allowed to leave. >> the people i was associated with were real nervous and definitely were taking it seriously about, you know, staying in their office and keeping the doors locked, all of that. >> among those at the veterans home today, 80 drama students at a nearby catholic high school by the theater. worried parents waiting for sporadic calls and text messages. >> my daughter is up there. she's 15 years old. >> have you been able to communicate? >> i spoke to her and she sounded a little bit nervous but she was sounding fine. >> reporter: dozens of law enforcement vehicles and tactical teams streamed on to the property including command trailers and s.w.a.t. teams as the fbi was charged with communicating with the gunman.