US Nuclear Airmen Plead Guilty to False Statements in Shooting Incident That Led to M18 Pistol Suspension

Two U.S. Air Force nuclear security officers have pleaded guilty to making false statements following a shooting incident that led to the temporary suspension of Sig Sauer M18 pistols across multiple military branches.

The incident, which occurred at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, involved Senior Airmen Winston Reilly and Elijah Moxness, both members of the 91st Security Forces Group. This unit is responsible for protecting nuclear missiles at the base, a critical component of America’s nuclear deterrent strategy.

According to court records and statements from military officials, the airmen admitted to providing false information about the circumstances surrounding an accidental discharge of an M18 pistol in May 2022. The shooting resulted in injuries to Reilly, though military authorities have not disclosed the full extent of those injuries.

The case gained significant attention because it triggered a military-wide safety stand-down for the Sig Sauer M18, the standard-issue sidearm that had been adopted by all U.S. military branches as part of a $580 million contract awarded in 2017. The M18 is the compact version of the Sig Sauer P320 pistol that has faced previous scrutiny over alleged design flaws.

Sig Sauer, headquartered in New Hampshire, has maintained that its pistols meet all safety requirements and exceed military standards. However, the company has faced several lawsuits in recent years from both military personnel and civilians claiming injuries from accidental discharges.

Following an investigation into the Minot incident, the Air Force determined that user error, rather than a mechanical defect, was responsible for the discharge. This conclusion allowed for the reinstatement of the M18 across military branches after a thorough safety review.

Defense analyst Michael Thompson, who specializes in military procurement, explained the significance of the case: “The M18 represents one of the largest handgun contracts in military history. Any potential safety concern creates ripple effects across all branches of service, potentially affecting tens of thousands of service members.”

The false statements provided by Reilly and Moxness complicated the investigation, according to Air Force spokesperson Captain Rachel Mitchell. “Accurate reporting of safety incidents is crucial to maintaining the integrity of our weapons systems and ensuring the safety of all personnel,” Mitchell said in a statement.

Both airmen were charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. As part of their plea agreements, they have been reassigned to non-security duties pending further disciplinary action. Military legal experts suggest they could face reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, and potentially dishonorable discharges depending on the final determination of the court.

The 91st Security Forces Group at Minot Air Force Base has particular importance as it protects approximately 150 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles housed in underground silos across North Dakota. These missiles form a key component of the U.S. nuclear triad, alongside submarine-launched ballistic missiles and strategic bombers.

The Air Force has used this incident to reinforce training protocols for weapons handling across all security units. “We’ve implemented additional safety measures and enhanced training requirements to prevent similar incidents,” said Colonel James Barlow, commander of the 91st Security Forces Group.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by military personnel responsible for nuclear security, who must maintain constant vigilance while handling weapons designed for immediate use in high-stress environments. It also underscores the critical importance of accurate reporting in military operations, particularly those involving nuclear assets.

Military procurement officials have confirmed that despite this incident, the Sig Sauer M18 remains the standard-issue sidearm across all branches with no plans to revisit the contract. The pistol is valued for its modular design, reliability in harsh conditions, and simplified maintenance requirements compared to previous service pistols.

The case is expected to conclude within the military justice system by the end of the quarter, with final sentencing for both airmen pending.