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In a significant development regarding last July’s fatal shooting at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, two airmen have pleaded guilty to making false statements about the death of their colleague, according to an Air Force statement released Friday.
The incident, which resulted in the death of 21-year-old Airman Brayden Lovan of the 90th Security Forces Squadron, had prompted the Air Force Global Strike Command to suspend the use of Sig Sauer M18 pistols at nuclear weapons sites for approximately one month. The suspension was lifted in late August after officials determined the weapon was safe to carry.
Details of the shooting were disclosed publicly for the first time on Friday, revealing that the alleged shooter, Marcus White-Allen, had pointed the gun at Lovan’s chest in what was described as a “joking manner.” According to the Air Force statement, White-Allen allegedly urged the other two airmen present to lie about what happened after the shooting occurred.
Airmen Sarbjot Badesha and Matthew Rodriguez each pleaded guilty this week to making false official statements related to the July 20 incident. Badesha received a sentence of 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 airmen also faced administrative demotions.
Initially, the two airmen reported hearing White-Allen’s gun discharge and then seeing Lovan on the ground. The Air Force statement indicates that White-Allen had instructed Badesha to tell investigators that “I slammed my duty belt on the desk and it went off,” while allegedly directing Rodriguez to tell emergency responders that his “holster went off.”
These false statements led investigators to initially believe that White-Allen’s M18 had accidentally discharged, complicating the investigation into Lovan’s death.
White-Allen, who was arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and making a false statement, was found dead on the base on October 8. Air Force officials have not released details surrounding his death, stating only that it remains under investigation. Laramie County Coroner Rebecca Reid has not provided information about White-Allen’s death, with her office indicating she had no comment when contacted.
The case has drawn additional attention because of ongoing litigation against Sig Sauer, the New Hampshire-based manufacturer of the M18 pistol. Several lawsuits have alleged that the company’s P320 pistol, a civilian variant similar to the military 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 are the result of user error. The company has prevailed in some of these legal challenges.
While the Air Force Global Strike Command temporarily suspended use of the M18 following Lovan’s death, other U.S. military branches continued to use the weapon during this period. The suspension was specifically limited to units responsible for securing and maintaining the nation’s nuclear arsenal.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about weapons safety protocols and proper handling procedures within military settings, particularly in high-security environments like nuclear installations. It also underscores the serious consequences of providing false statements during military investigations, as demonstrated by the penalties imposed on Badesha and Rodriguez.
As the investigation into White-Allen’s death continues, questions remain about the full circumstances surrounding both incidents at the Wyoming base, which houses intercontinental ballistic missile operations as part of America’s nuclear deterrent force.
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8 Comments
This incident is a stark reminder of the need for uncompromising discipline, transparency, and accountability within the US nuclear force. Restoring confidence will require decisive action and comprehensive reforms.
This is a concerning incident involving false statements about a fatal shooting incident at a nuclear weapons site. It’s good that the airmen involved have pleaded guilty, but the details raise serious questions about accountability and safety protocols in the US nuclear force.
Safety and integrity must be the top priorities when it comes to securing nuclear weapons. This incident highlights the need for thorough investigations and strict disciplinary measures to maintain public trust in the US nuclear program.
The US nuclear force plays a critical role in national security, so incidents like this that involve false statements and safety lapses are very concerning. Rigorous reforms may be needed to restore public confidence.
While the details are still emerging, this appears to be a disturbing breakdown in discipline and responsibility within the US nuclear program. Strict accountability is essential to ensure the highest standards of safety and security.
Pleading guilty to false statements is a troubling development that undermines confidence in the US nuclear force. I hope this leads to a comprehensive review of training, procedures, and oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This is a troubling development that raises questions about the culture and training within the US nuclear force. Maintaining the public’s trust in the safety and integrity of this program is of utmost importance.
False statements related to a fatal shooting incident at a nuclear weapons site are extremely serious. I hope this leads to a thorough investigation and implementation of robust measures to prevent such lapses in the future.