COMMUNITY

False alarm emergency reported during planned exercise at WSMR

Daily News Report

During an installation-wide security exercise Wednesday, White Sands Missile Range authorities received a report of a possible real-world emergency at WSMR. An all clear was issued shortly after, the installation gates were reopened and the lockdown lifted.

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. — During an installation-wide security exercise this morning, White Sands Missile Range authorities received a report of a possible real-world emergency at WSMR.

The WSMR Department of Emergency Services, in coordination with the installation commanding general and the Garrison commander, immediately paused the planned exercise, placed the post on lockdown, to include the White Sands School, and closed both the Las Cruces and El Paso gates.

WSMR Police investigated the report and determined that no emergency existed. An all clear was issued shortly after, the installation gates were reopened and the lockdown lifted.

"We started the day intending to carry out an exercise designed to test WSMR's response to an emergency on post," said WSMR Commander Brig. Gen. Eric Sanchez. "But the real-world report led to a textbook reaction by post first responders and more than validated the installation's security posture and readiness to handle any emergency situation."

The initial report came in at 9:43 a.m., and the all clear message was issued at 10:59 a.m.