In an update to an earlier report, a spokesman for the Iowa National Guard, Friday (Today), said “A combination of factors led to a 911 call from Camp Dodge Wednesday initiating an active shooter response from local, county and state law enforcement agencies.” Col. Michael Wunn said “A preliminary review by Camp Dodge security personnel has revealed that there was no actual threat to the base or to base personnel at the time of the call.”

Col. Wunn said “In response to recent attacks at military bases in Hawaii and Florida, U.S. Northern Command recently directed military installations to assess force protection procedures and increase security measures as appropriate for their installations and facilities. Additionally, as part of this heightened security posture, personnel were reminded to remain alert and act if they observe suspicious activity.

Early Wednesday afternoon, the Camp Dodge supply warehouse (Bldg. W12), a large facility designed to receive shipments as well as issue clothing and individual equipment, took steps to increase its security posture by locking doors that normally remain open during business hours to prevent free access to the building.

Non-warehouse personnel present in the facility at the time the increased security measures went into effect mistook these actions as an active event rather than proactive steps to secure the warehouse. Told they were under lockdown, they reported it to their supervisor at the Camp Dodge Range Control office as a potential active shooter situation. Repeated return calls from the Range Control office to verify the situation at the warehouse went unanswered and prompted a decision to call 911.”

Wunn said “Compounding the confusion at the time of the 911 call were ongoing security concerns related to an incident with a former Iowa National Guard Soldier, who recently made threatening statements to Camp Dodge personnel.”

He added, “As reported Wednesday, Camp Dodge security and multiple law enforcement agencies responded swiftly to the call, arriving on scene within minutes. Base personnel were instructed to lockdown and shelter in place in accordance with active shooter protocols. Law enforcement officers took steps to search and clear the building and surrounding area. Once these steps were complete, the all-clear was issued and the lockdown lifted.

Despite any inconvenience and disruption caused by yesterday’s response, all parties agree that in today’s environment, it is better to error on the side of caution and act when confronted with a real or perceived threat.”