Vandenberg Security Detains 7 at Gunpoint for 30 Minutes Over Invitation Mix-Up
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 20
Vandenberg Security Detains 7 at Gunpoint for 30 Minutes Over Invitation Mix-Up
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 20
Summary
Five reporters and two military members invited to a Monday groundbreaking at Vandenberg Space Force Base were held at gunpoint for more than 30 minutes and missed the event.
Security officers stopped the convoy at the gate after mistaking it for an unauthorized entry, ordering occupants out with hands up, sounding sirens and raising barricades.
The two base-assigned service members were handcuffed and put into base vehicles, while the civilians were made to sit on a curb before all seven were released without further incident.
A Space Launch Delta 30 spokesperson called the episode a communication breakdown, saying the base has seen more unauthorized entry attempts and must treat any possible intruder as a threat.
Noozhawk editor Tom Bolton said the detention was unfortunate, unnecessary and potentially dangerous, and plans to press base leadership on steps to prevent a repeat.