Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana has been closed due to an active shooter alert.
The base’s Facebook page ordered all personnel to shelter in place after the alert was issued at 10:29 a.m. CST on Thursday, although no further details of the incident in Great Falls have been released.
A training exercise is scheduled for today, but Air Force officials say the active shooter alert is a “real-world situation” and is not related to that test.
The air base confirmed the shooter was still active at 2:30 p.m., but declined to comment further.
An alert posted on his Facebook page read: ‘REAL WORLD ACTIVE SHOOTER
‘Malmstrom Air Force Base went into lockdown status at 10:29 a.m. on February 15 in response to an active shooter alert on the base. The safety of our staff is a top priority and updates will continue to come through official channels.
“At this time, sheltering in place is recommended.”
Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, where an active shooter alert was issued Thursday morning
A photo of the entrance to the base. It is located just east of Great Falls, along Route 87.
Local schools have also been ordered to shelter in place while the investigation into the alert continues.
The Great Falls Police Department posted an alert on Facebook that read: ‘INCIDENT IN PROGRESS! Community members may see a large police presence on the east end of the city. We are responding, with the Cascade County Sheriff/Coroner’s Office, to reports of an incident that may be occurring at Malmstrom Air Force Base.
‘All Great Falls public schools east/south of the river are on Shelter in Place (SIP). We recommend that all private schools and nurseries also enter SIP.
‘WE HAVE NO MORE INFORMATION THAN THIS RIGHT NOW, we will update this post as soon as information is available
‘DO NOT CALL 911 UNLESS YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY TO REPORT!’
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and other local legislators posted about the incident on X.
Gianforte wrote: ‘We have been in contact with General Hronek regarding reports of an active shooter alert at Malmstrom Air Force Base.
“I will continue to monitor the situation with the general.”
Montana Senator Jon Tester wrote: “I have spoken with base leaders about reports of an active shooter at Malmstrom Air Force Base and will continue to closely monitor the development of this situation.”
Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale also posted about the alert on X, writing: ‘My staff and I are closely monitoring the development of active shooters at Malmstrom Air Force Base.
“Praying for the safety of those on base and for law enforcement to respond quickly to this situation.”
Malmstrom Air Force Base is located just east of Great Falls along Route 87.
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