UPDATE (12:55 p.m.): Keesler Air Force Base has “resumed normal operations” after it went on lockdown this morning, a news release said.
The lockdown began around 8 a.m. after the base received a report of an active threat; News 5 confirmed that the threat was an alleged active shooter.
“A little after 11:00 AM this morning, after extensive security operations in conjunction with Biloxi Police Department, no indications of an active shooter or active threat to Keesler AFB have been discovered,” the release said.
“The installation is secure and no injuries have occurred and the base has resumed normal operations.”
UPDATE (11 a.m.): Keesler Air Force Base reports that “no indications of an active shooter or active threat” have been found since it went on lockdown today at 8 a.m.
“After extensive security operations … crews are finalizing their searches as a precautionary measure at this time,” a news release said.
“The installation is secure, and no injuries have occurred.”
The base had scheduled a training exercise today to prepare for an active threat. The timing between that exercise and this lockdown initially raised questions on social media about whether this was part of a safety drill.
But Keesler announced this was not part of the scheduled exercise.
At 8:26 a.m., Keesler’s Facebook page said, “LOCKDOWN LOCKDOWN LOCKDOWN.”
Then, at 9:24 a.m., Keesler posted, for emphasis, “REAL WORLD.”
News 5 will share more updates as they become available.
PREVIOUS REPORTING:
BILOXI, Miss. (WKRG) — Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi is on lockdown after a potential threat was received Wednesday morning, News 5 has learned.
According to a Keesler AFB news release, a potential threat was identified at about 8 a.m. Wednesday, and the base was immediately put into lockdown.
Biloxi Police said they were assisting Keesler with a sweep of the base after receiving a report of an active shooter.
As of 9 a.m., nothing had been found to validate the call.
The base had scheduled a training exercise today for just that kind of incident, but the Keesler release said the lockdown was not part of the scheduled training exercise.
“Gate traffic will remain closed until the scene is confirmed safe,” the release said.
This story is developing. News 5 will update this article as more information becomes available.