Vandenberg Space Force Base security detains invited media at gunpoint

Five journalists and two military members were detained at gunpoint at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Monday. The group had been invited to cover a groundbreaking ceremony for a new missile operator training facility.

The incident occurred as the media convoy, which was being escorted by uniformed public affairs staff, entered the base. Security officers mistook the group for unauthorized gate runners, prompting them to deploy sirens, raise barriers, and point firearms at the occupants. During the encounter, two military members—an enlisted service member and a junior officer—were handcuffed and taken into base vehicles, while civilian reporters were ordered to sit on a curb.

The group was held for approximately 30 minutes, causing them to miss the scheduled event. Base officials from Space Launch Delta 30 later apologized, attributing the incident to a communication breakdown. Officials noted that the base has seen an increase in unauthorized entry attempts and stated that all potential unauthorized presences must be treated as legitimate threats until verified. The installation commander has ordered a full review of media coordination processes.