Sheppard Air Force Base and the surrounding community remain on high alert Friday afternoon following reports of possible gunfire, though authorities say no evidence of an active shooter has been found. A lockdown remains in place at the base and at Sheppard Elementary School as security personnel conduct precautionary sweeps.
The initial reports came in around 12:30 p.m. from staff at Sheppard Elementary, located on base property, who heard sounds they believed resembled gunfire in nearby housing areas. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene near McKinley Road and the base, with a significant law enforcement presence securing the perimeter and managing traffic.
Wichita Falls ISD confirmed that Sheppard Elementary was immediately placed in Secure status, a safety protocol where students and staff remain inside the building with exterior doors locked while normal instruction continues.
“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 later confirmed that no shooter has been located and no injuries have been reported. Security teams are continuing thorough building-by-building and area-wide checks to ensure the safety of all personnel and residents.
Traffic around the base remains restricted, and nearby residents have been advised to stay indoors while the investigation continues. Authorities have not yet determined the source of the reported sounds. Officials say updates will be provided once the precautionary sweeps are complete and the situation is fully assessed.