Reporters and military duo held at gunpoint by security at US space force base
Officers reportedly believed invitees were trying to make unauthorized entry on to Vandenberg base in California Five news reporters and two members of the military who were invited to an event at Vandenberg space force base in California were briefly detained at gunpoint by security officers who thought they were gatecrashers, according to local news reports. The incident happened Monday ahead…
Five reporters and two members of the military were held at gunpoint at a California space force base on Monday, as security believed they were attempting unauthorized entry. The incident occurred ahead of a private ceremony for a new missile operator training facility near Santa Barbara. News organizations Noozhawk, KEYT, KSBY-TV, and the Santa Maria Times/Lompoc Record reported on the sudden detention.
Security personnel ordered the reporters and military personnel out of their vehicles and handcuffed the two military members. The reporters were held for over 30 minutes, missing the event. All were released without further incident. Vandenberg space force base spokesperson explained the situation as a communication breakdown, emphasizing the base's security priority.
Noozhawk's editor in chief expressed regret over the incident, calling it unfortunate and potentially dangerous due to the drawn firearms. He hopes to meet with base leadership to prevent future occurrences.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian US's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
