DistantNews
Support us
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Conflict & Security

Reporters and military duo held at gunpoint by security at US space force base

From The Guardian · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Five reporters and two military members were briefly detained at gunpoint by security at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
  • The group was invited to a groundbreaking event for a new missile operator training facility.
  • Base officials cited increased unauthorized entry attempts and a need for heightened security, while media outlets expressed concern over the incident's handling.

An invitation-only groundbreaking ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California took an alarming turn when security officers detained a group of journalists and military personnel at gunpoint. The incident occurred Monday as the group was arriving for an event marking the start of construction for a new training facility for missile operators.

Reporters from local outlets Noozhawk and KEYT, among others, were part of a convoy escorted by uniformed public affairs staff. Despite this escort, they were suddenly ordered out of their vehicles with their hands raised. Sirens blared, and barricades were erected at the gate as officers pointed their weapons at the group.

The two military members present, one enlisted and one a junior officer, were handcuffed and placed in base vehicles. The civilian reporters were instructed to sit on the curb. They were held for over 30 minutes, causing them to miss the event they were invited to cover. All individuals were eventually released without further incident.

Vandenberg space force base is experiencing an increased number of unauthorized entry attempts. Every potential unauthorized presence must be treated as a legitimate threat until proven otherwise. While we recognize this may have been unsettling, the security of the base and its personnel is our priority.

— Space Launch Delta 30 public affairs spokespersonThe spokesperson explained the security rationale behind the detention of reporters and military members.

A spokesperson for Space Launch Delta 30 acknowledged the incident as a communication breakdown. The statement noted an increase in unauthorized entry attempts at the base, emphasizing that all potential unauthorized presences are treated as legitimate threats until proven otherwise. While recognizing the situation may have been unsettling, the spokesperson asserted that the security of the base and its personnel remains the top priority.

Tom Bolton, editor-in-chief of Noozhawk, stated that while they respect the military's security needs, the actions taken were unfortunate, unnecessary, and potentially dangerous. He expressed hope for a discussion with base leadership to review the events and prevent future occurrences.

But clearly what occurred was unfortunate and unnecessary, and potentially dangerous, as firearms were drawn.

— Tom BoltonNoozhawk's editor-in-chief commented on the incident, highlighting the perceived overreaction by security forces.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog