WASHINGTON (AP) — Joint Base Andrews, one of the nation’s most sensitive military bases and home to Air Force One, emerged from a lockdown Thursday evening after officials were unable to confirm reports of a man carrying an “assault-style†rifle on the base, authorities said.
No shots were fired and no suspect was found after hours of searching, according to a statement from the Maryland base.
The person was reportedly seen near the base’s housing area around 2:30 p.m. Officials allowed a limited release from lockdown at 5 p.m., and the full lockdown was lifted an hour later.
Joint Base Andrews, a few miles outside Washington, houses the fleet of blue and white presidential aircraft, including Air Force One.
The base has faced security issues previously, including when an last month. A resident opened fire on the trespasser.
Two years ago, a man breached several spots on the base — including a military checkpoint — and , a transport jet primarily used by members of the Cabinet, Congress and military combatant commanders.
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Dazio reported from Los Angeles.
