At Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, five news reporters and two military members faced a brief detention at gunpoint. Security officers mistakenly believed they were intruders, according to local news sources. The detention occurred on Monday before an invitation-only event for a new missile operators’ training facility near Santa Barbara.

The detained reporters included those from Noozhawk and KEYT, who published detailed reports about the incident. A Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs representative described the situation as a communication breakdown. They emphasized that Vandenberg faces increased unauthorized entry attempts, necessitating a cautious approach to any potential threat to the base’s security.

The group, escorted by uniformed public affairs staff in a government minivan, was ordered out of their vehicles with raised hands. Officers brandished guns as sirens sounded and barricades emerged at the entrance, according to KEYT. Two military men from the base—a junior officer and an enlisted member—were handcuffed and taken to base vehicles. Civilians had to sit on the curb. The detained group included journalists from KSBY-TV and Santa Maria Times/Lompoc Record, held for over 30 minutes, causing them to miss the event.

All individuals were eventually released without further issues. Tom Bolton, Noozhawk’s editor in chief, expressed respect for the military’s security responsibilities but considered the incident unfortunate and potentially hazardous due to firearms being drawn. Bolton plans to discuss the event with base leaders to prevent recurrence.