Home / Crime and Justice / Reporters Held at Gunpoint on Military Base
Reporters Held at Gunpoint on Military Base
20 Aug
Summary
- Invited journalists and military members were detained at gunpoint.
- The incident occurred on Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
- Base officials cited increased unauthorized entry attempts as a reason.
Five news reporters and two military members were recently detained at gunpoint at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The incident occurred on a Monday ahead of an invitation-only groundbreaking event for a new missile operator training facility.
The journalists, from local outlets, were part of a convoy escorted by public affairs staff. They were ordered out of their vehicles with hands raised as security officers pointed guns. Sirens sounded and barricades were raised at the gate.
The two military members were handcuffed, while the civilians were made to sit on a curb. They were held for over 30 minutes, missing the event. A base spokesperson called it a communication breakdown, citing increased unauthorized entry attempts.
Base officials emphasized that security is their priority, treating all potential unauthorized presences as threats until proven otherwise. The detained individuals were eventually released without further incident.
