Authorities responded Friday afternoon to reports of possible gunfire near Sheppard Air Force Base, prompting an immediate lockdown of both the base and nearby Sheppard Elementary School. While initial sweeps have found no evidence of an active shooter, the lockdown remains in effect as security teams continue precautionary checks of the area.
The first reports came in around 12:30 p.m., when staff at Sheppard Elementary, located on base property, reported sounds they believed were consistent with gunfire in the surrounding housing area. Emergency responders quickly converged on the area near McKinley Road and Sheppard AFB, where a significant law enforcement presence could be seen securing the perimeter and directing traffic.
Wichita Falls ISD confirmed that Sheppard Elementary immediately entered Secure status. Under this protocol, students and staff remain inside the building, exterior doors are locked, and instruction continues as normal.
“Out of an abundance of caution, Sheppard Elementary is in Secure status after staff reported sounds consistent with gunfire in the housing area near the campus. At this time, there is no indication of an active shooter on Sheppard Air Force Base,” the district said in a statement. “Because the campus is located on the base, base security initiated a lockdown while the report is investigated.”
Base officials echoed that sentiment later in the afternoon, stating that no shooter has been located and no injuries have been reported. However, teams are continuing building-by-building and area-wide sweeps to ensure the safety of residents and personnel.
Traffic in and around the base has been heavily restricted, and families in nearby neighborhoods have reported being advised to stay indoors while the investigation continues.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the source of the reported sounds. The situation remains fluid, and officials say more information will be released once the ongoing security sweeps are complete.
