Keesler Air Force Base Lockdown Lifted After False Active Shooter Report: No Injuries, Full Investigation Underway
BILOXI, MISS. (May 7, 2025) — A tense morning unfolded at Keesler Air Force Base today as the installation went into full lockdown following 911 reports of an active shooter — reports that were later determined to be false. Officials confirmed that no injuries occurred, no shooter was found, and the base has since reopened after an extensive two-hour search by multiple law enforcement and security teams.
How the Morning Unfolded
At approximately 8:05 a.m., Biloxi Police received multiple 911 calls claiming shots had been fired on the base. Within minutes, at 8:10 a.m., Keesler’s security forces locked down all gates and issued shelter-in-place orders to more than 15,000 airmen, civilian staff, contractors, and visitors on base.
From 8:15 to 10:00 a.m., a massive coordinated search was carried out by Keesler security, Biloxi Police Department, Harrison County deputies, K-9 units, explosive-ordnance teams, and drones. Dozens of buildings, hangars, barracks, and perimeter zones were cleared systematically.
Finally, at 10:50 a.m., Keesler’s Public Affairs Office announced that no threat had been identified and the base was returning to normal operations. The lockdown was officially lifted, and personnel were permitted to resume their daily activities.
What We Know
- Personnel Impacted: Over 15,000 people on base were accounted for, and no injuries were reported.
- Medical Response: Emergency medical teams were staged throughout the base but were ultimately not needed.
- Investigation: Biloxi Police are now investigating the source of the false reports. Under Mississippi law, knowingly making a false active shooter claim is a felony offense.
Voices from the Base and Community
“We never want to go into lockdown, but when it’s necessary, our number one mission is to protect lives,” said Col. Angela Torres, Keesler’s deputy commander. “We are relieved this was a false alarm, but today’s events show the strength and coordination of our emergency response.”
Residents near the base reported a heavy military and police presence, with roads blocked and helicopters circling overhead. “It was nerve-wracking, honestly,” said local resident Mark Dupree, who lives just outside the base perimeter. “But I’d rather see them take every report seriously than risk something real slipping through.”
What’s Next
In the wake of the incident, base leadership and local law enforcement are moving quickly to review the event:
- After-Action Review: Keesler’s emergency leadership will conduct a full review of how communications, lockdown procedures, and cross-agency cooperation worked — and where improvements can be made.
- Criminal Investigation: Biloxi Police are urging anyone with information about who may have made the false calls to contact Crime Stoppers at 228-436-CRIM.
- Community Briefings: Town hall meetings will be scheduled next week to update base personnel, local residents, and business owners on updated safety protocols.
Final Takeaway
While today’s lockdown ended without tragedy, it served as a stark reminder of the importance of swift, coordinated response in the face of potential threats. Leaders at Keesler Air Force Base emphasized that even false reports must be treated with the utmost seriousness to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The investigation into the false alarm is ongoing. Stay tuned to WDSU News online, on-air, and across social platforms for the latest developments.