Keesler Air Force Base Placed on Lockdown Amid Reports of Active Shooter; Investigation Underway
BILOXI, MS — Keesler Air Force Base was placed on lockdown Wednesday morning following unconfirmed reports of an active shooter on or near the premises. Officials from the base confirmed to WLOX that all access gates have been closed as a precaution while an investigation is actively underway.
Incident Details
According to reports, the lockdown was initiated after a man was seen firing a gun in the area of Kensington Drive around 9 a.m. Witnesses on base reported that a man came into the gate at the base and fired the weapon through the fence. Fortunately, no one was shot or injured. At this time, Keesler Air Force Base is not on lockdown. According to Jennifer Pyron with Biloxi School District, both Biloxi Upper Elementary and Jeff Davis Elementary were on a brief lockdown but that has since been lifted. Kensington Drive is located just east of the Air Force base along Back Bay. (https://www.wlox.com)
Response and Investigation
The Biloxi Police Department is currently investigating the incident. Sgt. Tammie Moore confirmed that the base lifted the lockdown before noon and is working with local police to look for a retired staff sergeant who was reported to be carrying a gun on the base. Airman 1st Class Travis Beihl stated that base security was alerted that the man was armed. No shots were fired, and no one was injured. The Twitter account for the 81st Training Wing mentioned that the individual was driving a four-door red truck. (One News Page, AP News)
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time Keesler Air Force Base has experienced a lockdown. In June 2014, a miscommunication during an on-base exercise led to a temporary lockdown. Keesler officials stated that the base was placed on lockdown after the Force Protection Condition was raised to Delta. The threat was perceived to be a real-world incident, and first responders acted accordingly. The lockdown was lifted, and normal operations resumed after it was confirmed there was no threat. (https://www.wlox.com)
Community Impact
The lockdown affected not only the base personnel but also nearby schools. Both Biloxi Upper Elementary and Jeff Davis Elementary were placed on brief lockdowns as a precautionary measure. These lockdowns have since been lifted, and no injuries have been reported.(https://www.wlox.com)
Conclusion
The situation at Keesler Air Force Base is currently under investigation. Officials are working with local law enforcement to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. At this time, there are no confirmed reports of injuries, and the lockdown has been lifted. The community is advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
Note: This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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