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In a significant development at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, two airmen have pleaded guilty to making false statements following the fatal shooting of a fellow service member, an incident that temporarily halted the use of Sig Sauer M18 pistols at nuclear weapons facilities.
The Air Force revealed Friday that Airmen Sarbjot Badesha and Matthew Rodriguez both admitted to providing false official statements related to the July 20 death of Airman Brayden Lovan, 21, a member of the 90th Security Forces Squadron, 90th Missile Wing.
According to the newly released details, the alleged shooter, Marcus White-Allen, had pointed the weapon at Lovan’s chest “in a joking manner” before the fatal discharge. Following the incident, White-Allen reportedly urged Badesha and Rodriguez to fabricate stories about what occurred.
The case took another tragic turn when White-Allen, who had been arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and making false statements, was found dead on base on October 8. Air Force officials have not disclosed details about White-Allen’s death, stating only that the circumstances remain under investigation. The Laramie County Coroner has declined to comment on the matter.
Military justice was swift for the two surviving airmen. Badesha received 30 days in confinement and forfeiture of $1,545, while Rodriguez was sentenced to 10 days in confinement, 15 days restriction to base, and forfeiture of $500. Both men also faced administrative demotions.
The Air Force statement revealed that initially, both airmen reported merely hearing White-Allen’s gun discharge and then seeing Lovan on the ground. According to official accounts, White-Allen instructed Badesha to “Tell them that I slammed my duty belt on the desk and it went off,” while directing Rodriguez to inform emergency responders that his “holster went off.”
This false narrative led investigators to initially believe that White-Allen’s M18 had accidentally discharged, a critical misrepresentation that may have influenced the subsequent handling of the case.
The incident prompted the Air Force Global Strike Command to suspend the use of the Sig Sauer M18 pistol at nuclear weapons sites for approximately one month. The suspension was lifted in late August after Air Force officials determined the firearm was safe to carry. Notably, other branches of the U.S. military continued using the M18 during this period.
The temporary suspension occurred against a backdrop of ongoing litigation against Sig Sauer. The New Hampshire-based firearms manufacturer currently faces multiple lawsuits alleging that its P320 pistol, a civilian variant similar to the military’s M18, can discharge without the trigger being pulled. Sig Sauer has consistently denied these claims, maintaining that the pistol is safe and that any issues stem from user error. The company has prevailed in several of these legal challenges.
The incident highlights concerns about weapons handling protocols and safety measures within military installations, particularly those housing nuclear weapons. It also raises questions about accountability and the pressure service members may face to cover up accidents or misconduct.
The Air Force Global Strike Command, responsible for overseeing the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile forces and nuclear-capable bombers, has not indicated whether this incident will lead to additional safety measures or changes in firearms training procedures for security personnel at nuclear facilities.
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20 Comments
Tragic incident at the nuclear base. Concerning to hear about false statements from the airmen involved. Raises questions about safety protocols and accountability at these sensitive facilities.
Agreed, transparency and proper procedures are crucial when it comes to nuclear weapons security. Hopefully the investigations will shed more light on what happened.
Extremely concerning to see false statements from airmen at a nuclear base. This undermines confidence in the military’s ability to safeguard these critical facilities. Rigorous training and strict disciplinary measures are clearly needed.
Agreed. The Air Force must take immediate steps to address this breakdown in integrity and ensure all personnel are fully committed to upholding the highest standards of honesty and responsibility.
This is a deeply concerning situation. False statements by airmen at a nuclear base are extremely serious and undermine confidence in the security of these sensitive facilities. Thorough investigation is warranted.
Absolutely. The Air Force must get to the bottom of this and ensure all personnel are fully trained and committed to upholding the highest standards of honesty and responsibility.
Troubling to see such lapse in judgment and accountability from these airmen. Proper training and oversight is clearly needed to prevent future incidents like this at nuclear facilities.
Agreed. Rigorous screening, continuous education, and robust disciplinary measures should be in place to ensure the highest levels of professionalism and integrity.
Deeply troubling to see such a breakdown in accountability and truthfulness at a nuclear base. Rigorous protocols and continuous training are essential to prevent such incidents in the future.
Agreed. The Air Force must take swift and decisive action to restore public trust in the security and integrity of their nuclear operations.
Falsifying official statements related to a fatal shooting incident at a nuclear base is an extremely serious matter. The Air Force must take decisive action to investigate this breach of trust and implement robust measures to ensure such incidents do not occur again.
Agreed. Maintaining the highest levels of integrity and accountability at nuclear facilities is of paramount importance for the safety and security of both military personnel and the public.
This incident is deeply troubling and raises serious questions about the culture and oversight at this nuclear base. Falsifying official statements is a grave breach of trust that must be swiftly and thoroughly addressed.
Absolutely. The Air Force needs to conduct a comprehensive review of its training, screening, and disciplinary procedures to prevent such lapses in the future and restore public confidence.
This incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining a culture of honesty and professionalism at nuclear facilities. Falsifying statements related to a fatal shooting is unacceptable and demands a thorough investigation.
Absolutely. Transparency and accountability must be the top priorities to ensure the safety and security of these sensitive military assets.
This is a deeply concerning development that undermines confidence in the Air Force’s ability to secure and operate its nuclear assets. Falsifying official statements is a grave breach of trust that warrants a thorough investigation and swift, decisive action to address the systemic issues that allowed this to happen.
Absolutely. Restoring public trust in the military’s handling of nuclear weapons facilities must be the top priority. Comprehensive reforms to training, oversight, and accountability are clearly needed.
This is a very serious matter. Falsifying official statements related to a fatal shooting incident is extremely concerning, especially at a nuclear base. The Air Force must get to the bottom of this and ensure proper protocols are in place.
Absolutely. Strict adherence to safety and reporting standards is critical for maintaining public trust in the military’s handling of nuclear assets.