Full Breakdown
Late-Night Urban Warfare Drill at St. Luke’s Hospital Sparks Pasadena Outcry
6/5/2026, 10:01:04 PM
Late-Night Urban Warfare Drill at St. Luke’s Hospital
On the night of June 3-4 2026, the U.S. military staged an urban combat exercise at the vacant former St. Luke’s Medical Center in northeast Pasadena. Simulated gunfire, flash-bang grenades, low-flying helicopters and soldiers rappelling onto the roof were heard from 8:30 p.m. until about 2:10 a.m. A parallel four-hour drill occurred near Alton Parkway and Irvine Boulevard in Irvine, Orange County.
Background & Context
Urban training has been used by the U.S. Army in Los Angeles and Long Beach since 2019 to simulate real-world scenarios. The Pasadena site lies half a mile from the 2025 Eaton Fire, a recent disaster that heightened local sensitivity to emergency noises.
Timeline
- March 2026: Military contacts Pasadena Police Department for security assistance.
- May 28: City confirms St. Luke’s as the site.
- June 3, 5:30 p.m.: PPD posts notice of limited helicopter activity, controlled explosions and simulated weapons fire expected until 1 a.m.
- June 3, 8:30 p.m.: Drill begins with helicopters landing on the roof.
- June 4, 2:10 a.m.: Simulated fire and gunfire cease.
- June 4: Irvine drill ends after four hours.
Official Statements & Responses
Pasadena spokesperson Lisa Derderian said the city’s priority was resident safety and that it had limited control over the exercise’s timing or details. The Pasadena Police Department’s notice warned of “limited helicopter activity, controlled explosions and simulated weapons fire.” Irvine Police spokesman Kyle Oldoerp said his department did not know which military branch conducted the training or its purpose.
Criticism & Opposition
Councilmember Rick Cole called the drill “outrageous,” citing the lack of advanced warning and the surge of 911 calls. Residents described the sounds as frightening, with one likening them to an invasion and another labeling the 2 a.m. noise “insane.”
On-the-Ground Reports
John Berkitt said the sudden gunfire and explosions made him think “Iran is taking over.” Rachel Spencer, who was outside at 2 a.m., said she was not warned that men would be jumping from helicopters.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The city’s notice projected a 1 a.m. end time, yet the drill continued until 2:10 a.m. Military officials asked Pasadena to delay public notification until 5:30 p.m., limiting outreach. The branch and specific training objectives were not disclosed to officials or the public.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It has been quite the evening here for the residents who are literally across the street,” — Rick Cole, Pasadena City Councilmember
- “All of a sudden it sounds like, you know, Iran is taking over or something.” — John Berkitt, Pasadena resident
- “It’s insane. It’s 2 a.m. and I’m outside. This is crazy,” — Rachel Spencer, Pasadena resident
- “Irvine police spokesman Kyle Oldoerp said police did not know what branch of the military conducting the training or the purpose of the exercise.” — Kyle Oldoerp, Irvine Police spokesman
What’s Next
CBS LA has sought clarification from the U.S. Army without response. Pasadena officials say they will review notification procedures and consider additional community briefings for future drills.
