Source: Shutterstock.com
The Naval Station at Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington is on lockdown with reports of an active shooter at the base made on social media.
According to one post on social media, commands were being made to shelter in place while at the base. Reports of a shooting first came out around 10:40 AM on social media, although officials received reports of a shooting at around 5 a.m. As of yet, all NAS Whidbey Island gates will be closed until further notice.
According to Military Installments, the area, which has over 35,000 residents, places a “no weapons” policy for Ault Field:
“All personnel residing in government quarters are required to register weapons with NAS Whidbey Island. All firearms must be registered with the PPV Housing Office within three (3) days of occupancy or procurement of firearms.”
UPDATE: According to the base’s official Twitter, the Langley Gate has been reopened for base access. So far, there are no reports of injuries.
Although the lockdown was put in place in response to early morning reports of a shooting, it was confirmed on Twitter that no evidence of gunfire had been found:
There was a report of gunfire on Ault Field this morning. Out of an abundance of caution the base was secured. There is limited access and the shelter in place order is lifted. There has been no actual evidence of gunfire. Updates will be provided as they become available.
The base later confirmed it is now working in full operation. An investigation is underway to determine what had caused the earlier reports. At this point, more updates are expected about the story.
As this story is developing, more information will be updated as made available.
Naval Station at Whidbey Island Shooting Photos
Naval Station at Whidbey Island Shooting Updates
The first day my family comes to visit we have an active shooter on base… this is great
— ☁️Shef☁️© (@AlexAsheffield) January 6, 2018
UPDATE: Active Shooter Reportedly Loose at Naval Station; Reports of Gunfire, Base on Lock Down https://t.co/yYPOLSgeAS
— Thomas Paine (@Thomas1774Paine) January 6, 2018
.@Q13FOX just spoke to Public Affairs with @NASWhidbeyIslan. They tell us they are looking into reports of possible gunfire around 5am. No evidence has been found so far. No injuries. Air base still on lockdown, but they plan on reopening as soon as possible.
— Robin Dich (@RobinDich) January 6, 2018
All NAS Whidbey Island gates on to Ault Field will be closed until further notice. We will update as the situation changes.
— @NASWhidbeyIsland (@NASWhidbeyIslan) January 6, 2018
Langley Gate is now open for base access. All other gates are closed at this time. Please follow all law enforcement traffic controls on Ault Field. We will update as the situation changes.
— @NASWhidbeyIsland (@NASWhidbeyIslan) January 6, 2018
There was a report of gunfire on Ault Field this morning. Out of an abundance of caution the base was secured. There is limited access and the shelter in place order is lifted. There has been no actual evidence of gunfire. Updates will be provided as they become available.
— @NASWhidbeyIsland (@NASWhidbeyIslan) January 6, 2018
The all clear has been given at NASWI's Ault Field. The base is now in full operation with access through Langely Gate.
— @NASWhidbeyIsland (@NASWhidbeyIslan) January 6, 2018
ACCESS CHANGE: Langley Gate is closed. Access to NASWI has been shifted to Charles Porter Gate.
— @NASWhidbeyIsland (@NASWhidbeyIslan) January 6, 2018
