On the morning of Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in Portsmouth, Virginia, an active shooter alarm was activated, resulting in an immediate lockdown of the entire facility. This caused a wave of panic and bewilderment.
Thousands of workers, military personnel and civilians braced for what could have been a devastating incident as alarms went off throughout the shipyard. However, law enforcement officials investigated the issue quickly and thoroughly and determined that the initial claims were not true, and determined that an active shooter was not present despite the discovery of a gun inside a vehicle. Shortly after the lockdown was lifted, business as usual was restored. However, even at one of the country's most secure naval bases, the moments of uncertainty brought home to many the very real anxiety that exists in today's world due to such threats.
The first alert: an epidemic in NNSY
At one of the nation's largest and oldest shipyards, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where tens of thousands of civilian and military personnel work on vital ship maintenance and repair projects, it began like any other day. NNSY is an essential part of the nation's defense because it is a major station for the US Navy and is responsible for the maintenance and repair of nuclear-powered submarines and other vessels.
But the day's routine changed around 9:30 a.m., when the shipyard's public address system began to vibrate an emergency alarm system. The cry, “Lock, Lock, Lock!” echoed throughout the vast shipyard, instantly creating a sense of urgency. There were reports of an active shooter in the area, so staff were advised to lock doors, stay inside and follow emergency procedures.
