Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, was placed on lockdown on Wednesday morning, May 7, 2025, following reports of a potential active shooter on the premises. The alert was issued around 9:30 a.m. ET, prompting immediate action from both base officials and local law enforcement.
According to a statement from Keesler AFB, the lockdown was initiated at approximately 8:00 a.m. after a potential threat was identified. This incident was not related to a scheduled readiness drill that was set to take place later that day, which was intended to simulate emergency scenarios including gunfire and loudspeaker announcements.
As the situation unfolded, the Biloxi Police Department quickly responded to assist base officials in sweeping the area. By 9:40 a.m., police had completed their search and confirmed that no victims or evidence of a shooter had been discovered. Candace Young, a spokesperson for the Biloxi Police, stated, "We haven’t found anything" to validate the initial reports of an active shooter.
Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer also reported that as of 10:15 a.m., there were no injuries or deaths reported on the base. Erin Rosetti, a spokesperson for Memorial Hospital, confirmed that no victims had arrived at their emergency room, further corroborating the absence of any immediate threat.
Despite the all-clear signals, Keesler AFB officials maintained a cautious approach, advising personnel and visitors to avoid specific areas on the base. A statement from the base read, "Avoid the following areas: NORTH of the hairpin on Ploesti Dr and anything NORTH of Meadows Dr. These areas remain on lockdown!" The gates to the base were also closed until the situation was deemed safe.
The incident raised alarms not only within the base but also among the local community, which has seen its share of active shooter threats in recent years. The base is home to approximately 5,100 active duty military personnel, 1,625 civil service employees, 13,000 retirees, 4,763 family members, and 2,700 contractors, making it a significant hub of activity on the Gulf Coast.
As the day progressed, base officials continued to monitor the situation closely. Paige Skinner, a spokesperson for the 81st Training Wing at Keesler, reiterated that the lockdown was unrelated to the planned training exercise. "Gate traffic will remain closed until the scene is confirmed safe," Skinner stated, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols in such situations.
In the aftermath of the lockdown, Keesler AFB confirmed via social media that an investigation was ongoing, and they would provide updates as more information became available. The rapid response from local law enforcement and base security highlighted the preparedness of both entities in dealing with potential threats.
As of now, this story remains developing, and officials urge the public to stay informed through official channels. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing vigilance required in maintaining safety in military installations and surrounding communities.
While the lockdown has since been lifted, the events of Wednesday morning have sparked discussions about the protocols in place for handling such threats. The community is left to reflect on the importance of preparedness and the swift actions taken by law enforcement and military personnel to ensure the safety of all involved.
As updates continue to emerge, both Keesler AFB and local authorities remain committed to transparency and communication with the public. The Biloxi Police Department has reassured residents that they will continue to monitor the situation and respond as necessary to ensure community safety.
This incident at Keesler AFB is a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise even in seemingly secure environments. The collaboration between military and local law enforcement serves as a model for how communities can effectively respond to threats and protect their citizens.
In conclusion, while the initial reports of an active shooter turned out to be unfounded, the response by Keesler AFB and the Biloxi Police Department demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety and a proactive approach to potential threats. As the investigation continues, both agencies will work to ensure that the community remains safe and informed.
