FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The FBI announced on Wednesday that a suspicious package discovered outside the gate at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa earlier this week contained possible energetic materials. The specifics regarding the type of materials involved have not yet been disclosed, and an analysis of the package is pending.
As a precautionary measure, the base initiated a shelter-in-place order earlier on Wednesday after a potential threat was reported. MacDill officials stated, We take all threats seriously and are taking appropriate measures to prioritize the safety and security of our installation. As a matter of policy, we will not release specifics on what security measures have been implemented. The order was lifted about two hours later, but the base continues to maintain a heightened state of alert.
The FBI describes energetic materials as substances that contain a significant amount of chemical energy and can encompass explosives, fuels, or propellants. MacDill Air Force Base Visitor Center was the location where the package was found on Monday, but further details surrounding the investigation remain limited.
The installation has been operating under Force Protection Charlie (FPCON CHARLIE), the second-highest military security level, since Tuesday, allowing officials to proactively implement deliberate security measures. Guidance issued has urged all personnel to remain vigilant, follow the directives of security personnel, and promptly report any suspicious activities.
MacDill is also home to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees military operations in the Middle East and parts of South Asia. The heightened alert status of the base aligns with increased military readiness owing to ongoing tensions resulting from the war in Iran. Recently, a tragic incident claimed the lives of six crew members of a KC-135 refueling aircraft involved in Iran operation support, three of whom were linked to MacDill.
