Leadership at Joint Base Andrews just outside Washington, D.C. has lifted the lockdown and given the all clear after earlier reports of an armed individual being seen near base housing.
"We take every call of suspicious activity seriously, and appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience as we ensured there was no threat on the base. Thank you to the swift security forces response to ensure our safety today and everyday," JBA officials said on a Facebook post just after 6:30 p.m.
Earlier, there had been a "limited release from lockdown" befginning at 5:20 p.m.
“Security Forces has swept the base and will continue to go door-to-door at Base Housing,” JBA officials said earlier. “Out of an abundance of caution, there remains an increased Security Forces presence on base.”
At around 3 p.m. on March 30, officials reported that an armed individual was near base housing and urged personnel to stay away from base housing and to initiate lockdown procedures.
That post described the suspect as a white male, wearing a purple sweatshirt, black shorts, carrying an AR-15 style rifle with no orange tip.
Original story from 4:00 p.m.
Joint Base rews just outside Washington, D.C. has been placed on lockdown after reports of an armed individual being seen near base housing.
“An armed individual has been reported near base housing,” a post on the base’s Facebook feed reads. “Stay away from base housing. Initiate Lockdown Procedures.”
According to the post, which went up at 2:50 p.m. Thursday afternoon, the suspect is a white male, wearing a purple sweatshirt, black shorts, carrying an AR-15 style rifle with no orange tip.
Personnel have been instructed to shelter in place.
“If you see any people out moving, call 9-1-1 and that will connect you with Base Law Enforcement,” the base said. “Security Forces foot and mobile patrols are out looking for the suspect.”
Currently, there are no indications that any shots have been fired.
Located in Prince George’s County Maryland, Joint Base Andrews houses Air Force One and other planes used by senior government officials. The base was also locked down after two intruders breached its security.
This is a developing story and has been updated.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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