Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey was briefly under lockdown on Tuesday morning.
In a press release issued at approximately 12:30 p.m. ET, the base said it "responded to reports of an active shooter" just before 11 a.m., activating emergency protocols. Law enforcement and base officials determined around noon that no active shooter was substantiated.
"Our priority is the safety and security of everyone on the installation," Col. Michael Stefanovic, JBMDL commander, said in a statement. "We worked closely with local law enforcement and emergency responders to ensure the situation was investigated and resolved as quickly as possible."
The base posted around 11 a.m. ET, "THERE IS A LOCKDOWN AT JBMDL. ALL PERSONNEL ARE TO LOCKDOWN UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. ALL PERSONNEL OUTDOORS SHOULD TAKE COVER."
Just before noon, JBMDL posted, "LIMITED RELEASE. The lockdown for the Lakehurst portion of JB MDL remains in effect; the McGuire and Ft Dix campus lockdowns have been lifted. We will provide an update with more details as they become available."
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst: What to Know
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, located in central New Jersey, is a major U.S. military installation that combines the resources of the Air Force, Army and Navy. The joint base was created in 2009 when McGuire Air Force Base, Fort Dix and Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst were merged, making it the first tri-service base in the country. Spanning more than 42,000 acres across Burlington and Ocean counties, it supports air mobility, training and engineering operations critical to national defense.
Today, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is home to more than 40 units and mission partners, including the Air Force’s 305th Air Mobility Wing, the Army’s Reserve and Guard units, and the Navy’s test and evaluation programs. Its strategic location allows for rapid global deployment of personnel and equipment, while also serving as a key training hub for service members. The installation plays a vital role in both homeland defense and international missions.
Recent Violence on US Military Bases
Violence on U.S. military installations has become a growing concern, with incidents ranging from internal disputes to more lethal attacks. These events underscore ongoing challenges in securing these bases, particularly when personnel bring personal weapons, mental health issues arise, or external assailants breach security perimeters.
The most recent serious incident occurred in August 2025 at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where a U.S. Army sergeant opened fire and injured five fellow soldiers using his personal handgun.
Update: 9/30/25, 12:05 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
Update: 9/30/25, 12:43 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.