The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio confirmed that security forces and the fire department on Thursday responded to reports of an active shooter in the base’s hospital building after a training simulation was mistaken for a real-world scenario.
“This reported incident occurred during a normal, scheduled installation exercise which included an Active Shooter scenario at separate location in Area A,” the base posted on its Twitter account. “Upon investigation, it was determined that the incident at the MTF was not an actual Active Shooter incident.”
— Wright-Patterson AFB (@WrightPattAFB) August 2, 2018
The base praised its first responders for reacting “with the level of professionalism and urgency required” of the situation.
“In an attempt to breech [sic] a door that was locked, a security forces member discharged his firearm to open the door and continue the sweep of the facility,” the base added on Twitter. “The scene has been declared safe and all personnel have been advised to avoid the base hospital area for the time being.
As reports of a potential issue surfaced at about 12:40 p.m., all those on base received an alert that said: “Emergency responders are enroute. All WPAFB Gates are Close. All personnel take cover. Limit all communication to emergency use only.”
