Military says active shooter drill was planned
NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - An active shooter was reported at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland Thursday at about 9 a.m. prompting a lockdown, according to military officials.
The distress call came after someone saw a routine security inspection.
Police focused their investigation on a medical facility on the property. By 10:40 a.m., the all-clear had been given to the base except for the medical facility.
A law enforcement official later said that no active shooter was found at the post, reported the Associated Press.
"Fortunately, this was not a life-threatening situation," said Col. Brad Hoagland, 11th Wing and base commander, said in a Facebook. "We take all threats seriously and reacted to ensure the security of those on the base."
Formerly known as Andrews Air Force Base, the installation is home to the presidential airplane, Air Force 1.
According to FOX 5 DC, authorities said there was an exercise scheduled at the base, however, it was unclear if the report of the active shooter was related to the exercise.
Public Affairs officials at JBA told FOX 5 DC: “We are reacting to a report of a real world active shooter. The call occurred during an exercise. Because the report came in as a real active shooter we have to respond accordingly. We are treating as if it is and no further information at this time.”
FOX 5 DC reported that when Prince George County emergency personnel offered assistance to Joint Base Andrews they were told that they were not in need of assistance.
Vice President Joe Biden was scheduled to leave from Andrews on Thursday morning, but his trip was delayed by the lockdown.
The vice president's office said he was waiting out the delay at his residence at the Naval Observatory in Washington.
Biden was due in Columbus, Ohio, for a midday campaign event for former Gov. Ted Strickland, who is running for Senate.
The president, vice president and other senior government officials fly in and out of Joint Base Andrews.
President Barack Obama was last at the base Wednesday night when he returned from a trip to Ottawa, Canada
With the Associated Press