Ohio Wright-Patterson Air Force base under lockdown after reports of active shooter
A complete lockdown was imposed at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio on Thursday night, September 9, 2021, after reports of active shooting surfaced around 9.25 pm. According to officials, an active shooter was spotted at building 856 that belongs to the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC). As per latest updates, no one has been reported injured so far while the shooter is still believed to be on the run. Authorities are carrying out a thorough search and sweep at the NASIC facility building for the last four hours.
Wright Patterson Air Force Base regularly conducts active shooter drills, which are communicated to the local public well in advance. However, base members confirmed on September 9 that the incident was an actual emergency crisis and not a pre-planned drill. In fact, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base had faced a similar active shooter crisis in March 2020 as well.
READ MORE
Teachers shot 'execution style' with pellet guns during active shooter training at Indiana school
Wright State Police have responded to multiple reports of an active shooting at the air force base. The base officials conveyed the emergency alert to the public via a Facebook post, where they stated, "At approximately 9:25 p.m., emergency responders responded to a report of an active shooter in the National Air and Space Intelligence Center in Area A at Wright-Patterson AFB. Security Forces are currently sweeping the building. The base is on lockdown. More information will be provided when available." A message of assurance was later added by a base spokesperson, stating, "We understand there are concerns and questions. Our first priority is to protect our people. All of our military and civilian employees are trained to quickly assess the situation and take appropriate action."
Wright State University also issued a safety alert for the students and local residents.
"Reported active shooter at WPAFB near Dayton Campus
--
Wright State Police have become aware of multiple reports that Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Police are responding to an active shooter incident on base and have initiated lock-down procedures. The most recent information identifies the active shooter threat at or near the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) Building. Wright State students and employees should stay clear of the areas toward the north end of campus, like Kauffman Ave. and Ohio State Route 844, and take appropriate safety precautions to protect themselves if necessary. Wright State Police will provide additional updates when they become available." stated a Facebook post by Wright State University.
This is a developing story, more details will be updated with the release of the latest reports.