New Details on Fatal Shooting at Air Force Base: Deceased was Military Veteran

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U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Keith Scott, 19th Air Force command chief, left, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Samuel Galbreath, 314th Fighter Group pilot, step to their jet prior to a sortie on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Dec. 16, 2025. Scott flew as a passenger in an F-16 Fighting Falcon with Galbreath to get firsthand experience with the 49th Wing’s F-16 formal training mission. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan Witkop)

An active-duty soldier injured in a shooting on Tuesday at Holloman Air Force Base remains in stable condition as the individual’s partner, a military veteran, was announced deceased at the scene.

The shooting occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on March 17, prompting a base lockdown that was lifted shortly thereafter when security forces personnel confirmed that the scene was safe, according to a press release initially issued by the 49th Wing Public Affairs office. Emergency personnel who responded to the situation declared that all threats were neutralized.

Officials announced more information on Wednesday afternoon, saying that the shooting occurred near the base Shoppette and involved an active-duty service member as part of a “domestic-related” incident. The individuals were not married.

The injured service member, who was immediately transported to the hospital on Tuesday following the shooting, is currently assigned to Holloman AFB.

The deceased was described as a civilian and military veteran previously stationed at Holloman AFB.

Military.com asked the 49th Wing if names of the victim and deceased were being released. name has not yet been released. They cited privacy reasons for the name of the deceased being withheld, while the victim’s name also is not being publicly mentioned pending notification of next of kin.

This was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to our community - the 49th Wing in a statement on Wednesday.

An MQ-9 Reaper assigned to the 29th Attack Squadron takes off during a routine training flight over Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Feb. 11, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ryan Witkop)

“We ask that individuals avoid speculating on social media regarding the incident out of respect for the families involved," they added.

The approximate 93-square-mile base, established in 1942, supports national security work and includes combat-ready airmen and guardians. It is located in Otero County, New Mexico.

Otero County Sheriff David Black told Military.com that no local authorities assisted the military in the shooting investigation, referring all press inquiries to the military.

The shooting occurred on the same day as a Department of Veterans Affairs employee in Georgia was shot at a clinic by a gunman who was later shot dead by police.

The incident remains under investigation and additional details will be provided as they become available.

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