Pensacola, Florida – Law enforcement authorities responded to a report of gunshots at Corry Station, a Navy installation in Pensacola, Florida. Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons stated that there were no signs of an active shooter and no injuries reported at the scene. The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. on Thursday when multiple gunshots were heard. Despite an extensive search by deputies, no evidence of a shooting or victims was found.
Authorities closed off the entrances to the base and Naval Air Station Pensacola as a precaution while a comprehensive sweep of the area continued. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman, Morgan Lewis, informed the public that the situation was still under investigation, emphasizing that there was no confirmation of an active shooter at that time.
Corry Station, a sub-installation of Naval Air Station Pensacola, is home to various units, including the Navy’s Center for Information Warfare Training and other civilian and Marine operations. The base, which is normally open 24 hours a day, requires valid credentials or accompaniment by credentialed individuals for entry.
In December 2019, NAS Pensacola experienced a tragic shooting incident involving a Saudi student who opened fire in a classroom, resulting in the deaths of three sailors and injuries to eight others, including two sheriff’s deputies. The shooter, Mohammed Alshamrani, was killed by one of the deputies at the scene.
Following the shooting, the previous Trump administration sent 21 Saudi military students back to their country due to concerns over jihadist or anti-American sentiments expressed on social media or involvement with child sexual abuse materials online. None of the trainees were implicated in having prior knowledge of the shooting or aiding the gunman in carrying out the attack.
As the situation at Corry Station continues to unfold, authorities remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and security of all personnel on the base. The investigation into the reported gunshots serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by military installations in maintaining a secure environment for service members and civilians alike.