Local News
Training Exercise Mistaken for Shooting at Air Force Plant 42
UPDATE: Officials confirmed there was no active threat and said the earlier reports of a shooting were linked to a scheduled training exercise.
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA — Authorities responded to reports of an active shooter situation at Air Force Plant 42, a high-security aerospace facility, prompting a full lockdown of the site.
According to emergency dispatch logs and scanner traffic, the first reports of possible gunfire were received at approximately 1:20 p.m. EST.
Security forces from the base, along with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies and federal agents, immediately converged on the area to secure the perimeter and assess the situation.
Two individuals were reported wounded. Both were treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel before being transported to nearby hospitals. Their conditions have not yet been disclosed, though no fatalities have been confirmed.
The facility remains under full lockdown, with all personnel instructed to shelter in place as law enforcement continues a systematic search of the premises.
Air Force Plant 42 spans more than 5,800 acres in Palmdale and serves as a critical hub for the U.S. aerospace and defense industry.
The installation supports operations involving B-2 Spirit bombers, B-21 Raider stealth aircraft, RQ-4 Global Hawks, and other classified aviation programs.
The site is home to major defense contractors including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing, employing more than 8,500 personnel daily across multiple secure facilities.
As of this update, officials have not confirmed whether a suspect has been detained or if the gunfire originated on or near the base property.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) are jointly handling the investigation.
Residents and nearby businesses have been advised to avoid the area until the lockdown is lifted and further notice is provided.
Authorities are expected to release additional information as the situation develops.
Local News
Multiple Injuries Reported After Passenger Transport Vehicle Strikes Gate at Dulles International Airport
DULLES, Va. — Several passengers were injured Sunday after a mobile lounge, also known as a “People Mover,” collided with a gate at Washington Dulles International Airport, authorities confirmed.
According to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), the incident occurred as the People Mover was transporting passengers from an arriving flight to Concourse D. While approaching the docking area, the vehicle reportedly struck the building at an angle, resulting in multiple injuries among those onboard.
Emergency medical personnel from MWAA Fire and Rescue responded promptly to the scene and began assessing the injured passengers.
Officials said several individuals were being evaluated for their injuries, though an exact number and the extent of those injuries have not yet been released.
An airport spokesperson stated that despite the incident, overall airport operations remained normal and no significant service disruptions were reported.
The People Mover vehicles, an iconic feature of Dulles International Airport since its early years, are primarily used to transport passengers between terminals, particularly for international arrivals and departures.
Authorities have not yet disclosed what caused the collision, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing.