Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst or McGuire Air Force Base, which encompasses Fort Dix was put on lockdown on Tuesday. The incident took place at 2901 Falcon Lane in New Jersey. Upon inspection, it was assessed there was no threat.
A statement from the McGuire Air Force Base read “Team JB MDL, minutes ago suspicious packages were reported on the installation. Security Forces and our first responders immediately responded, secured the area, and determined the packages posed no threat. We are grateful for the quick and professional actions of our first responders whose vigilance helps keep our community safe every day. Win As One!”
An earlier statement from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst had read, “JB MDL is currently at FPCON CHARLIE. Increased security measures are in place. All personnel should remain vigilant, follow the direction of security forces, and report any suspicious activity immediately.”
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It added “We appreciate your cooperation as we prioritize the safety and security of our installation.”
What is FPCON Charlie
FPCON Charlie is a high-level military threat condition indicating that a terrorist attack or targeting against personnel/facilities is likely.
As per the Citizen app “FPCON Charlie ‘Applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action targeting personnel or facilities is likely. 100% ID card check required’.”
The Citizen app report also noted that social media users had alleged multiple suspicious packages at the facility. As per social media users, non-essential personnel were being cleared from the base.
The threat from suspicious packages at the air force base comes at a time when law enforcement authorities across the nation are on high alert amid the ongoing war with Iran. There were bomb threats at the Miami Zoo as well, forcing closures, while a Washington DC street also saw lockdown as authorities responded to possible suspicious packages.
Several social media users reacted to today's incident as well.
Social media reactions to Fort Dix lockdown
{{/usCountry}}Several social media users reacted to today's incident as well.
Social media reactions to Fort Dix lockdown
{{/usCountry}}One person asked if the gates were opened back up after the incident, to which the base replied in the affirmative. Another remarked on Facebook “Ordering an evacuation seemed a bit excessive to me. Wouldn't you order a shelter in place instead to minimize risk to lives? That just seems to make more sense.”
Yet another expressed relief that there was no threat. “That is great news! Thank you for the update and all you do to keep everyone safe !”.
One person quipped that they thought Diddy had tried to break out. Noably, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is being housed in FCI Fort Dix, which is on the McGuire Air Force base.