Unauthorized vehicle sparks lockdown at Strategic Command headquarters

An unauthorized vehicle attempted to enter the headquarters of U.S. Strategic Command (Stratcom) Thursday night, prompting gunshots and a lockdown before the driver backed away and left the base.

Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, which is home to Stratcom, said the unknown vehicle tried to enter the main gate of the facility at 10 p.m.

Offutt security forces activated a barrier system that prevented the vehicle from entering, forcing the individual to turn around.

Security also fired shots at the vehicle before it fled the scene, according to the base, and a lockdown was initiated out of an abundance of caution.

The Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office in Nebraska is working on the case along with police from the nearby city of Bellevue.

The Hill has reached out to the local police departments for more information.

Stratcom is one of 11 unified combat command centers under the Defense Department that work to defend U.S. interests across the globe and in every domain of warfare. It is focused on nuclear deterrence and missile defense and deployment.