Training Exercise Photo from May 10th (via JBA Facebook)
The Andrews Air Force Base shooting is on lock down because of a reported active shooter. The Joint Base Andrews Twitter account (@JBA_NAFW) announced the shooting at 9:16 AM. Shortly thereafter, they clarified that the incident was taking place at the Malcolm Grow Medical Facility.
The whole base is under lockdown and first responders are on the scene.
https://twitter.com/JBA_NAFW/status/748505480587206657
https://twitter.com/JBA_NAFW/status/748509819049381888
What Happened?
Originally it was believed that the “shooting” could be part of some training exercise. Joint Base Andrews had scheduled a training exercise for 9 AM EST today, but officials wrote on Facebook that “We are responding to a real world report of an active shooter. We take this types of reports seriously and are responding accordingly to ensure the safety of those on base.”
https://twitter.com/ABC7/status/748517774666801152
There are conflicting reports as to whether or not the shooting is real or not, but here’s one of the reports about what’s happening in the Malcolm Grow Medical Facility.
https://twitter.com/RussPtacek/status/748517999125069824
And then moments later, you read reports from county officials who write that this is only an exercise. Hopefully this is just a training drill.
https://twitter.com/RussPtacek/status/748521407714304000
Ok, so it seems like this was just a training exercise. Apparently the “active shooter” alert was caused by someone who looked out the windows and saw people (mid-exercise) carrying long guns.
Update 10:38 AM–The all clear sign has been given. Everything is under control and there was never any active shooting.
What Is Joint Base Andrews?
Joint Base Andrews is the “premier base point for the NCR (National Capital Region).” It’s home to the 11th Wing, the 89th Airlift Wing, Air Force One, the 79th Medical Wing, the 113th Wing, and Naval Air Facility Washington.