FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The FBI confirmed Wednesday that a suspicious package found outside a gate at MacDill Air Force Base contained 'possible energetic materials.' The investigation is ongoing as authorities analyze what was inside the package, which was discovered near the Visitor Center.
According to the FBI's Tampa office, energetic materials may refer to substances with a high amount of chemical energy, which can include explosives, fuels, or propellants. Specific details about the contents of the package have not been disclosed as the investigation continues.
Earlier that day, the base initiated a shelter-in-place order following a credible threat. We take all threats seriously and are implementing measures to ensure the safety and security of our installation, stated MacDill officials via social media.
This shelter-in-place directive lasted for approximately two hours before being lifted, although security levels remained elevated. The base was operating at Force Protection Charlie, the second-highest military security posture, prompting personnel to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately.
The U.S. Central Command, which is stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, oversees military operations in critical regions across the Middle East and South Asia. The heightened alert at the base coincides with increased tensions in the region, particularly since recent events related to military actions against Iran.
In a tragic incident last week, six crew members of a KC-135 refueling aircraft were tragically killed in a crash during operations assisting against Iran, three of whom were connected to the 6th Air Refueling Wing based at MacDill.
