Senior U.S. official: Airman fatally shot his commander, self at Lackland AFB

Shooting happened at Medina Base Annex

SAN ANTONIOClick here for the latest on Friday's shooting at Lackland AFB.

Update @ 1:35 p.m.:

A spokesman for Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland said military-issued and personal firearms are heavily restricted on the base and that it's not clear whether a gunman involved in a murder-suicide was authorized to have a weapon.

The base's civilian spokesman, Dan Hawkins, said it's too early to determine whether the gunman in Friday's shooting was registered to have a weapon. Two guns were found in the room where the bodies were discovered.

A senior U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity said the attack involved an airman who shot his commander.

Hawkins said weapons are used for training purposes and carried by base security personnel, but personal firearms cannot be freely carried on the base. He also said security officers must be notified if a personal weapon is being brought onto the installation and the firearm also must be registered, in addition to other requirements.

Update @ 11:12 a.m.:

Air Force officials held a news conference to provide the latest information, which included:

  • Shooting reported at 8:40 a.m.
  • Shooting happened at Building 147 better known as Forbes Hall
  • Shooting not an act of terrorism
  • Both victims were males
  • Victims found on first floor
  • Two handguns found at scene
  • Next of kin being notified
  • Scene deemed safe at 10 a.m.
  • Lockdown lifted at 10:17 a.m.
  • FBI will take over investigation

Update @ 10:27 a.m.: According to initial internal Pentagon communications obtained by the Air Force Times, a commanding officer at the base was shot by an airman.

Update @ 10:23 a.m.: Lockdown lifted at Lackland Air Force Base.

A shooting Friday morning at Lackland Air Force Base that left two people dead is an apparent murder-suicide, Bexar County Sheriff's Office spokesman James Keith said.

"(We) do believe the shooter is accounted for," Keith told reporters.

Keith said the sex of the victims and their relationship wasn't immediately known.

The shooting happened in the Medina Base Annex of Lackland and remains on lockdown since the shooting was reported at 8:30 a.m.

Keith said he didn't know if there are other victims and that some rooms were still locked.

KSAT 12 has also learned that Five Palms Elementary School, Frank Madla Elementary School, and Armstrong Elementary School of the San Antonio Independent School District remain on lockdown as well. 

Valley High Elementary School is on a modified lockdown. Allen Elementary School as well as Rayburn Middle School, both of NISD, were on lockdown but they have since been lifted.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, (D), District 20, released the following statement regarding the shooting:

"I'm devastated that violence struck our community this morning. My prayers are with everyone at Lackland and all who have been affected by this tragedy. I'm grateful to our city's first responders who provided assistance today, and I offer my deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who serve in the Air Force and are stationed here at JBSA. My staff and I are in touch with the Department of Defense about this morning's incident as details continue to unfold."

Hurd Responds to Lackland Air Force Base Shooting

U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, (R), District 23, released the following statement regarding the shooting:

"Many constituents in my district live near and work at Lackland Air Force Base, and this tragic shooting will have a profound impact on this tight-knit community. My prayers are with everyone impacted by this tragedy. I commend the first-responders and base personnel for their bravery and professionalism."

Refresh this page and watch KSAT 12 News throughout the day for the latest on this developing story.


About the Authors

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.

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