Quick Read
- Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico went into lockdown after reports of an active shooter on October 10, 2025.
- Security forces responded swiftly; no injuries or suspects were found and the base was declared ‘all clear’ within an hour.
- Both the base and Chavez Housing were affected by the lockdown.
- Communication channels, especially social media, played a crucial role in delivering timely alerts.
- Base officials emphasized ongoing vigilance and preparedness for future incidents.
Lockdown at Cannon Air Force Base: Swift Response to Shooter Report
On the afternoon of October 10, 2025, Cannon Air Force Base in Curry County, New Mexico, was thrust into a tense situation following reports of an active shooter. The base, which is home to the 27th Special Operations Wing, quickly moved into lockdown as security forces initiated their established active shooter protocols.
According to statements released by base officials and reported by KRQE and NewsChannel10, the first alert came in at 12:07 p.m. Security personnel responded immediately, locking down both Cannon AFB and the nearby Chavez Housing area. Messages posted to the base’s social media accounts, including a now-removed Instagram story, urged everyone on site to seek shelter without delay.
Emergency Protocols Activated: Communication and Safety
The gravity of the situation was clear in the repeated alerts: “LOCKDOWN LOCKDOWN LOCKDOWN. CANNON AFB is currently executing active shooter protocol. Will provide updates on this post when able.” The base’s communications team acted quickly, sharing updates as information became available, and a graphic accompanying the social media alert underscored the seriousness with which the base treats such threats.
Colonel Robert Johnston, commander of the 27th Special Operations Wing, expressed gratitude for the security forces’ professionalism, stating, “The safety of our Air Commandos and families is our highest priority — and we take reports of an active shooter seriously.”
Investigation and Search: No Injuries or Suspects Found
Security teams swept the area thoroughly, checking buildings and public spaces across the base. Every corner was searched, and personnel remained vigilant throughout the process. Despite the initial reports, no injuries were reported, and no suspects were found.
By 1:03 p.m., less than an hour after the initial alert, Cannon Air Force Base declared an “all clear,” lifting the lockdown and allowing normal activities to resume. The rapid resolution of the incident, with no harm done to personnel or families, was a relief to the entire base community.
Community Reaction and Protocols Moving Forward
For those stationed at Cannon AFB, the incident served as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of such threats, but also as a testament to the efficiency of established emergency protocols. The lockdown, though disruptive, was carried out with discipline and urgency. Families hunkered down in offices, homes, and common areas, waiting for updates as security teams worked methodically through their procedures.
After the incident, base officials emphasized the importance of vigilance and the necessity of taking every report seriously. Training and readiness remain a top priority, ensuring that all personnel know what to do should a similar threat arise in the future.
The official investigation into the source of the reported threat is ongoing, but no further information has been released at this time. The swift lifting of the lockdown and absence of injuries or suspects point to a successful handling of the situation.
As with any emergency, communication played a critical role. The prompt alerts and clear instructions helped prevent panic and ensured a coordinated response across all parts of the base and surrounding housing areas. Social media, often criticized for misinformation, proved invaluable in delivering timely updates directly from base leadership.
While the Cannon Air Force Base community is relieved, the incident is a reminder to military installations everywhere: preparedness and rapid response are crucial in maintaining safety and order during potential threats.
The Cannon Air Force Base incident shows how rigorous protocols and decisive leadership can transform a moment of uncertainty into a demonstration of collective resilience. As investigations continue, the base’s commitment to safety—evident in their rapid response—offers reassurance not just to those stationed there, but to military communities across the nation.