WBAMC: Man returning ceremonial equipment mistaken for armed subject

The suspicious individual reportedly seen carrying a rifle that caused a lockdown at William Beaumont Army was actually a man returning military equipment used in ceremonies, according WBAMC. This happened Friday on the facility shortly before noon

It stated the equipment, which included artificial rifles, was used in ceremonies by members of post honor guards.

This began at 11:55 a.m. when Fort Bliss officials received a report of an individual in the vicinity of WBAMC carrying what appeared to be a rifle.

The nearby El Paso VA main facility, along with WBAMC, were put on lock down, not allowing anyone to enter or exit.

Department of Emergency Services officials and law enforcement responded to determine the validity of the report.

WBAMC issued a Code White telling people to take shelter where they are and to defend in place. It asked people to be on the look-out for a white male, wearing tan t shirt and black shorts carrying two soft rifle cases and ammo cans.

At 2 p.m., the Code White had been lifted at the VA, but the facility remained on lockdown. People were advised that they may move about the building, but must remain within the facility.

As a safety precaution, people were asked to take shelter in place until security personnel clear the area. Non-mission essential personnel were evacuated by law enforcement first. In-patients were not evacuated.

By 3:30 p.m., WBAMC confirmed that there was no active shooter.

Military Police were on site assisting with a search of the area. Other agencies sighted on location included the FBI, the El Paso Police Department, and the U.S. Border Patrol.

By 4 p.m., the lockdown was lifted and operations resumed as normal.

WBAMC released a statement saying that DES and law enforcement officials responded appropriately to ensure the safety and security of all.

It went on to state, “The response by emergency officials and community highlights the measures currently in place to react to potential threats, while ensuring the safety of the Fort Bliss and El Paso community.”