U.S. Air Force security guards exchanged gunfire with unknown individuals who opened fire at an entrance to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland (JBSA) in Texas early Saturday morning, the Associated Press reported.
The incident, which occurred around 4:30 a.m. CST, resulted in no reported injuries, according to base officials reports.
Stefanie Antosh, public affairs chief for the base, provided details to the San Antonio Express-News. According to Antosh, the security guards returned fire at a passing vehicle at one of the base’s entrances. The quick response of the security personnel highlighted the readiness of the base’s defense protocols.
“We don’t know what, if anything, started it,” Antosh said, the AP reported. “But it wasn’t an active threat to the installation, and there is no active threat to the installation.”
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) responded promptly to the shooting and assisted in collecting evidence. Key details about the incident remain unknown at this time. The number of rounds fired during the exchange has not been determined.
Additionally, investigators have yet to establish the number of shooters involved in the incident. The motive behind the attack also remains unclear.
In a statement to Newsweek, JBSA-Lackland said the “Training Annex main gate is now re-open following an off-base shooting incident at the installation’s gate early this morning. JBSA officials also confirm there is no threat to the installation. The incident involved unidentified members in a sedan shooting at members of JBSA security forces team while performing duties at Chapman Annex Gate.”
JBSA also confirmed the San Antonio Police Department is leading an investigation of the aggravated assault.
Newsweek contacted the SAPD via online form on Saturday for comment.
U.S. Air Force security guards exchanged gunfire with someone who twice opened fire on an entrance to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland early Saturday, according to a spokesperson for the base.
In response to the shooting, base officials took immediate action. The entrance where the incident occurred was closed for several hours to allow for a thorough investigation of the scene. However, Antosh confirmed that despite the seriousness of the event, the base was not put under lockdown.
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland is part of a larger military complex. This complex includes Randolph Air Force Base, Fort Sam Houston, and the Camp Bullis training camp. Collectively, these facilities form one of the largest joint bases operated by the Department of Defense (DOD). The base plays a crucial role in various military operations and training programs.
The base remains operational following the incident, with security personnel maintaining their regular duties. Base leadership has emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the installation, aiming to allay any concerns among base personnel and the local community.
Military officials and law enforcement agencies will continue to monitor the situation closely.
This story was updated to include a statement from JBSA-Lackland.
Update, 8/18/2024 at 10:11 a.m. ET: The headline was changed.