A tragic shooting at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico leaves one airman dead and another injured, as investigators scramble for answers.
At a Glance
- Shooting occurred early Saturday near Kirtland Air Force Base entrance
- One airman killed, another wounded in the hand
- Incident followed an “off-base pursuit,” not considered terrorism
- Air Force Office of Special Investigations leading the inquiry
- No suspects being sought, details limited to protect investigation
Deadly Incident Shakes Kirtland Air Force Base
In a shocking turn of events, Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, became the scene of a fatal shooting early on the morning of February 22. The incident, which occurred around 2 a.m. near one of the base’s entrances, resulted in the death of one airman and left another injured. As the Air Force community grappled with the tragedy, investigators worked to uncover the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have been quick to emphasize that the shooting was not an act of terrorism or an attack by an outsider. Instead, it followed what officials described as “an off-base pursuit.” The exact nature of this pursuit and how it escalated into a deadly confrontation remains unclear, as investigators released limited information to maintain the integrity of the inquiry.
One airman is dead and another is injured with a gunshot wound following a "shooting incident" involving security forces at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. https://t.co/VQeQbJPD23
— NBC News (@NBCNews) February 23, 2025
Investigation Underway as Details Emerge
The Air Force Office of Special Investigations has taken the lead in unraveling the events that led to the fatal shooting. They are receiving support from the FBI and local Albuquerque police, indicating the seriousness with which this incident is being treated. Despite the multi-agency involvement, officials have remained tight-lipped about many aspects of the case.
The cautious approach has left many questions unanswered, including the identities of the airmen involved and whether the shooter or shooters were also members of the Air Force. The base has confirmed that the names of the deceased and injured airmen are being withheld pending notification of next of kin and further investigation.
Aftermath and Community Response
The wounded airman, who suffered a hand injury during the incident, was treated at the University of New Mexico Medical Center and has since been discharged. Kirtland Air Force Base officials have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat, and police are not actively searching for any suspects.
