All Clear Issued at Ellsworth AFB After Lockdown Following Reports of Shots Near Base

  • Published
  • By 28th Bomb Wing
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, SD --  Officials have issued the all clear following a lockdown after Ellsworth Air Force Base personnel received reports of shots fired near the base perimeter.

The lockdown notice was given at approximately 9 p.m., Sept. 11, out of an abundance of caution when the installation’s emergency notification system issued an alert. Base Security Forces personnel, along with local law enforcement, responded and determined the incident was off base and there was no active threat on the installation.

“Our response system worked as designed, ensuring the safety of our Airmen and families,” said Col. Erick Lord, 28th Bomb Wing commander.

The 28th Bomb Wing conducted an exercise in August 2025 to evaluate its ability to respond to an active shooter situation on the installation.

For more information, contact the 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Office at 28bw.public.affairs@us.af.mil.