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Dover Air Force Base in Delaware was locked down on May 8, reports NBC Philadelphia. The base is located southeast of the city of Dover and close to Delaware State University. At 3 p.m. local time, the lockdown was lifted after four hours.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. There’s Are Reports of Suspicious Person on Base
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The lock down order was issued after a suspicious person was seen on the base near building 706, which is an aircraft hangar. CBS Philadelphia reports that Delaware State Police have not been asked to assist.
2. The Lockdown is Precautionary
The base has been shut down since 11 a.m. local time. Col Randy Huiss said:
The safety of our people is our top priority. We take this report very seriously and are taking the necessary precautions to investigate this matter.
3. One Person Was Told There Was an Active Shooter
We have no reports of any injuries. CBS News has tweeted that there are no reports of shots being fired at the base. Delaware Online reports a teacher who was bringing a class trip through the base being told there was a possible active shooter on the base. Though Airman First Class William R. Johnson said, “At this time we have no information that would lead us to believe that there is an active shooter on the base.”
4. There Are Around 4,000 People Working on the Base
The base has just under 4,000 personnel working there at any given time. NBC Philadelphia reports that cars are backed up outside the base, trying to get in.
5. The Base is Home to the U.S. Military’s Largest Mortuary
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The U.S. Military’s largest mortuary is operated in Dover Air Base. The base is also the home of the Air Mobility Command Museum.