No active shooter at Barnes Air National Guard Base after shots fired report

WESTFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Authorities have released new details after reports of shots fired during a training exercise at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield.
Officials with the 104th Fighter Wing said the base was placed on lockdown around 9:45 a.m. Thursday after “a report of a possible security threat received during an ongoing security exercise.” Emergency crews, including Westfield Police, responded to the scene.
Westfield Police Capt. Eric Hall said that active attack training was underway at the base when there was a report of one or more shots being fired around 9:45 a.m. He added that investigators then worked to clear buildings to ensure there was no active threat.
Base officials said an investigation determined that the initial report was “inaccurate,” according to base officials, and “no security emergency had occurred.” They added, “The activity was exercise-related, and the situation was quickly clarified by personnel on scene, demonstrating the professionalism, communication, and readiness of Wing members in assessing and responding during exercise operations.” Hall noted around 12 p.m. that there was no active threat or active shooter.
An all-clear was given and the lockdown was lifted around 12 p.m. An investigation is underway into the initial report.
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