McGhee Tyson Air National Guard base in Tennessee was briefly placed on lockdown, following reports of an active shooter in the area.
The alarm was raised shortly after 11am on Wednesday, when a local student reported seeing a suspicious person who appeared to be armed. Law enforcement conducted a sweep of the base, spokesman Lt. Col. Travers Hurst told reporters. No shots were reported, yet personnel were told to shelter in place.
The Tennessee National Guard said that reports of “suspicious activity” triggered the alert, but added that there are “no reports of injuries.”
After clearing the base and speaking to the student again, however, authorities determined the initial report was based on a misunderstanding.
“We now believe they didn't see what they thought they saw,” Hurst said. “Everyone is safe. There were no shots fired.”
Commercial flights coming in and out of the adjoining McGhee Tyson Airport were not affected at any point during the lockdown.
McGhee Tyson is located near Knoxville, and is home to the 134th Air Refuelling Wing. Crews there operate and maintain a fleet of KC-135 tanker aircraft.
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