Cannon operations back to normal after Tuesday lockdown

Cannon Air Force Base security forces were conducting “increased patrols” late Tuesday afternoon when an individual reported hearing gunfire.

The gunfire report led to the evening’s lockdown and “active shooter protocol,” said Capt. Jackie Pienkowski, Cannon’s chief of public affairs.

After investigating, “We believe that these reports were two separate incidents,” she said on Wednesday.

Pienkowski said she could not discuss events surrounding the initial increased patrols “due to an ongoing investigation.” Base officials also were unable to determine the source of the later gunfire.

Pienkowski said base operations had returned to normal on Wednesday morning.

Cannon and local police officials said there was never an active shooter, no one was injured during either incident and no suspects were identified in connection with the gunfire.

Security forces declared the base "all clear" about 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, almost five hours after the "active shooter protocol" was conducted.

Pienkowski said Cannon went into the “active shooter protocol” about 4:50 p.m. Tuesday when the gunfire was reported and after the incident that led to the increased patrols.

She said the protocol requires those on base to shelter in place, secure facilities and “no movement is allowed on or off base.”

Cannon personnel received a text message at 4:59 p.m. that read, "There is an active shooter on Cannon AFB. Last known location was bldg#1408/HOSPITAL. All non-response personnel should seek shelter immediately until further notice."

Multiple community law enforcement agencies assisted Cannon Air Force Base Security Forces in securing the base, Pienkowski said in a news release issued Tuesday night.

Clovis Police Chief Roy Rice said officers worked with Cannon to "clear every building before the night's done."

Curry County Sheriff Mike Reeves said state police and other law enforcement agencies were also on base.

"They had some information about somebody might be armed ... possibly a shot fired. But we can't find anybody,” Reeves said Tuesday night.