Reporters Detained at Gunpoint During Vandenberg Space Force Base Groundbreaking

On Monday, a convoy of five journalists and two service members traveling to an invitation-only “golden shovel” ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California was stopped at the main gate. Security officers ordered the occupants out of their vehicles, pointed firearms, sounded sirens and erected barriers. The two military personnel—one enlisted member and a junior officer—were handcuffed and placed in base vehicles, while the reporters were instructed to sit on a curb. The detention lasted more than 30 minutes, causing the media team to miss the ceremony. All individuals were released without further incident.

Associated Press

The ceremony marked the start of construction on a new training facility for missile operators at the federal airfield near Santa Barbara. Base officials have noted a recent rise in unauthorized entry attempts and have emphasized that any potential breach must be treated as a legitimate threat until verified. The journalists, representing outlets such as Noozhawk, KEYT, KSBY-TV, and the Santa Maria Times/Lompoc Record, had been invited and were escorted by public-affairs staff in a government minivan when the security response was triggered.

Associated Press

A spokesperson for Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs described the episode as a “breakdown in communication.” The statement explained that Vandenberg Space Force Base is experiencing an increased number of unauthorized entry attempts and that security personnel must act decisively to protect the installation and its personnel.

Associated Press

Tom Bolton, editor in chief of Noozhawk, said the incident was “unfortunate and unnecessary” and highlighted the danger of drawing firearms on journalists. Bolton expressed a desire to meet with base leadership to discuss procedural changes that could prevent a repeat of the event.

New York Post

• “We respect the military’s need to provide security for the base,” — Tom Bolton, editor in chief

Associated Press

• “But clearly what occurred was unfortunate and unnecessary, and potentially dangerous, as firearms were drawn.” — Tom Bolton, editor in chief

Associated Press