The local sheriff’s department near Lackland Air Force Base has confirmed that there are “victims” after a shooting took place on the morning of April 8. The base is the largest Air Force training facility in Texas. It’s located in San Antonio.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. So Far, the Sheriff’s Department Says 2 People Have Been Killed
We have victims at Lackland Air Force Base, scene is still active
In a tweet, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department says that two people have been found dead inside of Lackland Air Force Base. NBC San Antonio reports that situation appears to have been a murder suicide.
2. Both San Antonio Police & the Bexar County Sheriff Are Swarming on the Base
Bexar County Sheriff personnel outside the base in the aftermath of the shooting. (Bexar County Sheriff)
Deputies and local police are continuing to search the base, going to room to room, looking for more possible victims. The FBI is also on the scene.
3. The Identity of the Suspect Has Not Been Revealed
Other than describing the situation as a murder suicide, officials have not released a description or given any information about the suspect. KSAT’s Ashley Custer reports that the shooter is one of the dead people.
4. The Base Is on Lockdown
US President George W. Bush poses with Lackland Air Force Base personnel at the Alamo Regional Command Reception Center on September 1, 2008. (Getty)
The base remains on lockdown. The U.S. Census Bureau says that there are close 10,000 people who live on the base. 79 percent of those who live on the base of children under the age of 18.
Schools in the Northside School District, Allen elementary, Valley Hi and Rayburn middle school, were all been placed on lockdown in the aftermath of the shooting.
5. In August 2012, the Base’s Commander Was Forced to Resign After a Sex Assault Scandal at the Base
The base became embroiled in a sex assault scandal in 2012. Female and male recruits complained of being groped at the base from 2010 onwards. In the aftermath, the base’s commander, Col. Glenn Palmer, was forced to resign. In their reporting on the incident, My San Antonio said that the base was responsible for training 35,000 airmen every year.