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In a case that rocked a Wyoming Air Force base, two airmen have pleaded guilty to making false statements about a fatal shooting incident that temporarily suspended the use of a standard-issue pistol at nuclear weapons facilities, Air Force officials announced Friday.
The Air Force Global Strike Command had implemented a month-long pause on the use of Sig Sauer M18 pistols following the July 20 death of 21-year-old Airman Brayden Lovan at F.E. Warren Air Force Base near Cheyenne, Wyoming. That suspension was lifted in late August after officials determined the weapon was safe for continued use.
For the first time since the incident, military authorities have released details about the circumstances surrounding Lovan’s death. According to the Air Force statement, the alleged shooter, Marcus White-Allen, had pointed the gun at Lovan’s chest in what was described as a “joking manner” before the fatal discharge occurred.
Following the shooting, White-Allen reportedly urged fellow airmen to fabricate accounts of what happened. White-Allen was subsequently arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and making false statements. However, in a shocking development, he was found dead on the base on October 8. Air Force officials have not disclosed details about White-Allen’s death, noting the matter remains under investigation.
Laramie County Coroner Rebecca Reid has not responded to inquiries regarding White-Allen’s death, with her office stating she had no comment when contacted Friday.
Airmen Sarbjot Badesha and Matthew Rodriguez have now faced military justice for their roles in the aftermath of the shooting. Both pleaded guilty this week to making false official statements related to Lovan’s death.
Badesha received a sentence of 30 days confinement and forfeiture of $1,545, while Rodriguez was sentenced to 10 days confinement, 15 days restriction to base, and forfeiture of $500. Both airmen also received administrative demotions as part of their punishment.
According to the Air Force statement, the two airmen initially reported only hearing White-Allen’s gun discharge and then seeing Lovan on the ground. They concealed that White-Allen had instructed them to provide false accounts. White-Allen allegedly told Badesha, “Here’s the story. Tell them that I slammed my duty belt on the desk and it went off.” He reportedly gave similar instructions to Rodriguez, telling him to inform emergency responders that White-Allen’s “holster went off.”
These falsified accounts initially led investigators to believe the M18 had accidentally discharged, a misconception that likely contributed to the temporary suspension of the weapon’s use across nuclear facilities.
The case gained additional significance against the backdrop of ongoing lawsuits against Sig Sauer, the New Hampshire-based manufacturer of the M18 pistol. Several legal claims allege 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 allegations, maintaining that the pistol is safe and that any unintended discharges result from user error. The company has prevailed in some of these legal challenges.
While the Air Force Global Strike Command suspended use of the M18 during its investigation, other branches of the U.S. military continued to utilize the weapon, suggesting confidence in its overall safety profile.
The 90th Security Forces Squadron, where Lovan served, is part of the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, which maintains and secures nuclear missile facilities—making weapon safety protocols particularly critical at such a sensitive installation.
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13 Comments
It’s troubling to hear about the lack of transparency and the attempts to fabricate accounts of what happened. The Air Force should conduct a thorough investigation to understand the root causes and ensure proper safety measures are in place to prevent such incidents in the future.
Agreed. Maintaining public trust in the safety and security of nuclear facilities is paramount. This case underscores the need for a culture of accountability and rigorous protocols to protect both personnel and the public.
The guilty pleas for false statements are very troubling. Transparency and accountability are critical in the management of nuclear facilities. I hope the Air Force conducts a thorough investigation and implements robust measures to ensure such lapses do not occur again.
While the details are still emerging, this case highlights the importance of proper weapons handling and truthful reporting, especially in high-security environments. Hopefully, the Air Force will take swift action to address any systemic issues and prevent similar incidents in the future.
This is a sobering incident that highlights the need for strict safety protocols and accountability at nuclear facilities. The guilty pleas for false statements are concerning, as transparency and truthful reporting are critical for identifying and addressing issues.
Absolutely. False claims and cover-ups can have devastating consequences, especially in high-risk environments like nuclear bases. Hopefully this case will lead to improved training and a renewed emphasis on responsible weapon handling and reporting.
Tragic that a young life was lost due to this incident. The guilty pleas for false statements are deeply concerning and undermine public trust in the safety and security of nuclear facilities. The Air Force must take immediate action to address any systemic issues and ensure that such lapses do not occur again.
While the details are still emerging, this case highlights the importance of responsible weapons handling and truthful reporting, especially in high-risk environments like nuclear bases. The guilty pleas for false statements are very troubling and warrant a thorough investigation by the Air Force.
The guilty pleas for false statements in this case are deeply concerning and undermine confidence in the safety and security of nuclear facilities. The Air Force must take swift action to investigate the root causes and implement comprehensive measures to ensure transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of weapons handling and reporting at all nuclear installations.
Tragic that a young airman’s life was lost due to such a preventable incident. The guilty pleas for false statements are deeply concerning and raise questions about the overall safety culture and supervision at this nuclear base.
This is a deeply concerning incident that underscores the need for a strong safety culture and rigorous protocols at nuclear bases. The guilty pleas for false statements are especially alarming and raise questions about the overall management and oversight at this facility.
Agreed. The Air Force must take immediate action to address any systemic issues and ensure that the highest standards of safety and integrity are upheld at all nuclear installations. The public deserves to have full confidence in the security of these critical facilities.
This is a sobering reminder of the critical importance of safety protocols and accountability at nuclear bases. The guilty pleas for false statements are very troubling and raise questions about the overall management and oversight at this facility. The Air Force must conduct a thorough investigation and implement robust measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.