Sheppard Air Force Base Gives All Clear After Reports of Shooter

WICHITA FALLS, TX - A release from the Sheppard Air Force Base amid reports of an active shooter on Friday, March 28:

"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.

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.

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.

“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.

The general also praised the school officials for calling in the report and protecting the students.

“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!”

The base was released from lockdown at 11:15."

UPDATE: As of 11:20 a.m., Sheppard Air Force Base has been given an ALL CLEAR. Personnel and visitors may resume activities.

UPDATE: As of 10:46, nothing has been found to indicate a shooting, but the base remains on lockdown, and sweeps continue.

WICHITA FALLS, TX – Sheppard Air Force Base is currently on lockdown after reports of an active shooter. The lockdown started around 9:50 a.m. on March 28 after authorities were alerted to an active shooter near the base’s golf course.

Early reports suggested the suspect might be a white male wearing a blue ball cap and a blue shirt, but this has not been confirmed. Local police and sheriff’s deputies from Wichita Falls responded quickly to the scene.

According to a release from Sheppard Air Force Base, authorities responded to the active shooter report on the southeast side of the base around 9:40 a.m. Security teams immediately secured Sheppard Elementary School and other schools to search the area.

Wichita Falls ISD announced that all exterior doors at schools in the area are locked, and students remain inside their classrooms as a precaution due to a potential external threat. "At no time have students or staff been in immediate danger. Classes are continuing as usual," said the release.

Reports of gunshots were made just before 10:00 a.m., and law enforcement teams were sent to the area near Wichita Falls Regional Airport, which is close to the base. Scanner traffic mentioned the suspect possibly being near the airport and a nearby school, according to reports.

As of 10:20 a.m., no injuries were reported, and the active shooter situation had not been confirmed. 

By 10:25 a.m., the Wichita County Sheriff's Office said they were continuing to sweep the base, but no shots had been fired.

More information will be released as it becomes available.