A major security alert was triggered at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland when an unauthorised vehicle breached the perimeter, forcing the immediate lockdown of Air Force One - the iconic presidential aircraft used by President Joe Biden.
The alarming incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, sending security personnel into emergency protocols as the vehicle attempted to gain access to restricted areas of the military installation.
Immediate Lockdown Procedures Activated
According to base officials, the swift response ensured that Air Force One was successfully secured, with the aircraft being placed on complete lockdown while the situation was assessed. Military police and security teams quickly mobilised to contain the threat.
"The vehicle attempted to breach the perimeter," confirmed a spokesperson from the 316th Wing, which oversees security at the crucial military facility. "Our teams responded immediately to secure the area."
No Direct Threat to President Biden
Fortunately, President Biden was not present at the base during the security breach. The Commander-in-Chief had departed earlier in the day aboard Air Force One following a campaign event in Delaware, heading to the West Coast for further engagements.
This separation between the incident and the President's location significantly reduced the potential severity of the security threat, though the breach itself remains deeply concerning.
Ongoing Investigation into Perimeter Security
Military authorities have launched a full investigation into how the vehicle managed to breach the base's security perimeter and what specific intentions the driver may have had. The incident raises serious questions about the vulnerability of even the most secure military installations.
Joint Base Andrews serves as the primary airfield for presidential aircraft movements and hosts the 89th Airlift Wing, which is specifically responsible for transporting senior leadership including the President, Vice President, and Cabinet members.
This is not the first security concern at the base, though the direct targeting of Air Force One's location represents a significant escalation in brazenness. The incident highlights the constant security challenges facing military installations that house critical national assets.
