SHEPPARD AIR BASE, TEXAS — Sheppard AFB Security Forces and local police responded to a suspected active shooter report near the southeast side of the base this morning at about 9:40 a.m.
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The initial call described the sound of potential gunfire in the vicinity of the Sheppard Elementary School, and school officials immediately locked down the building and secured the students.
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Multiple patrols from the 82nd Security Forces Squadron and as many as 57 units from local police departments responded. After securing the school, they began sweeping the area. Fortunately, no evidence of a shooter or a weapon being fired was found, and no injuries were reported.
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“I am incredibly grateful for the speed and scale of the response by our security forces and local police, and I want to thank them publicly for their willingness to go into what could have been harm’s way to protect others,” said Brig. Gen. Paul Filcek, the Sheppard installation commander.
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The general also praised the school officials for calling in the report and protecting the students.
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“We are fortunate this did not turn out to be an actual active shooter, but our friends at Sheppard Elementary did exactly the right thing by immediately reporting what they heard. That’s an example for all of us – if you see or hear anything suspicious or unusual, report it!”
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The base was released from lockdown at 11:15.
