All-Clear at Joint Base Andrews
The base in Maryland lifted its lockdown after it instructed all personnel to shelter in place because of a report Thursday of an active shooter.
Here’s what we know:
—Joint Base Andrews in Camp Springs, Maryland, has issued an all-clear for most of the base after locking it down following a report of an active shooter.
—The base had previously tweeted that the incident was ongoing at the Malcolm Grow Medical Facility, for which an all-clear has not been issued.
—The base was was scheduled to conduct an active-shooter exercise Thursday.
—We’re live-blogging the news as it unfolds. All updates are in Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5).
11:46 a.m.
At a news conference, Col. Brad Hoagland, 11th Wing and Joint Base Andrews commander, said the lockdown was initiated after reports of a real-world active shooter situation at the Malcolm Grow Medical Facility were miscommunicated before the scheduled active-shooter drill was able to begin.
The security forces emergency services team conducting a routine inspection of the facility were misidentified, he said.
“We take all threats seriously and reacted to ensure the security of those on the base,” Hoagland said.
He added: “Fortunately, this was not a life-threatening situation.”
10:39 a.m.
Joint Base Andrews has issued an all-clear:
"All Clear." The lock down on base has been lifted
— Joint Base Andrews (@JBA_NAFW) June 30, 2016
10:28 a.m.
It looks increasingly like the report of an active shooter at the base was a hoax. Although no official word has yet come down on this, several news reports have suggested the calm demeanor of everyone involved in the aftermath of the report suggests this was a drill all along.
NOW: Lt Gen Tom McInerney watching live video of Joint Base Andrews & suspects there is no shooter based on demeanor of those involved.
— Lisa Fletcher (@lisa_fletch) June 30, 2016
All clear at Joint Base Andrews after lockdown, according to a law enforcement official.
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) June 30, 2016
10:12 a.m.
Jeh Johnson, the Homeland Security secretary, told a Senate panel he may be called out of his testimony because of the “unfolding situation” at the base.
10:01 a.m.
We have more from Joint Base Andrews:
There were reports of an active shooter incident on base at Malcolm Grow medical facility at approximately 9 a.m. today, June 30, 2016.
— Joint Base Andrews (@JBA_NAFW) June 30, 2016
Personnel on base have been directed to shelter in place.
— Joint Base Andrews (@JBA_NAFW) June 30, 2016
First responders are currently on scene to secure the location.
— Joint Base Andrews (@JBA_NAFW) June 30, 2016
Due to the serious nature of this report, the base is reacting to ensure the safety of all personnel.
— Joint Base Andrews (@JBA_NAFW) June 30, 2016
9:58 a.m.
Joint Base Andrews is just outside Washington, D.C., in Prince George’s County, Maryland. It is the home of Air Force One, the presidential plane. President Obama reportedly did not have plans to use the base today.
There were questions earlier Thursday about whether the lockdown at the base was a drill, as one had been planned for today, but the Joint Base Andrews said while “an active shooter exercise” was planned, “reports of a real-world active shooter situation were reported.”
9:40 a.m.
There are reports of an active shooter at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, and all personnel have been asked to shelter in place. The base is on lockdown.
The incident is ongoing at the Malcolm Grow Medical Facility. First responders are on-scene now. All personnel continue to shelter in place
— Joint Base Andrews (@JBA_NAFW) June 30, 2016
This is a developing story and we’ll update it as we learn more.