Ft. Irwin: ‘No findings of a credible threat’ as shooting rumor floats on social media
Fort Irwin officials say they haven’t found credible backing for an apparent threat on social media Tuesday of a shooting at a 24-hour gas station in a residential area of the military’s Mojave Desert mega-base.
“We got a report a couple hours ago about a possible active shooter at the 24 Hour Shoppette,” Commanding General Curtis D. Taylor said in a video posted shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday on the Fort Irwin and NTC commanding general’s Twitter page.
“I want to confirm to you, Commanding Sergeant Major (Brian D.) Haydt and I are standing in front of that shop right now, that there is no credible evidence of that report,” Taylor continued in the video. “I know that’s gone out on social media, but I want you to know that our (military police) reacted on the spot, as soon as they got the report, and we feel confident now that we’re continuing to secure the area.”
Taylor added that “if we hear anything else about this, we will absolutely let you know to make sure the community stays safe. But let’s watch the rumors. Right now there is no report of any kind of violence near the 24 Hour Shoppette.”
The official Twitter account of the Army’s National Training Center, which makes up more than 750,000 acres within Fort Irwin, responded to that post about 20 minutes later: “THERE IS NO ACTIVE SHOOTER AT THE NTC/ Fort IRWIN.”
FT Irwin (military police) responded to a report regarding a threat posted on social media,” the NTC account posted. “There have been no findings of a credible threat. The investigation is ongoing. All services are open. Follow this post for updates.”
Charlie McGee covers California’s High Desert for the Daily Press, focusing on the city of Barstow and its surrounding communities. He is also a Report for America corps member with The GroundTruth Project, an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization dedicated to supporting the next generation of journalists in the U.S. and around the world. McGee may be reached at 760-955-5341 or cmcgee@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @bycharliemcgee.