FBI says suspicious package at Air Force base contained possible energetic materials
TOI GLOBAL | Mar 19, 2026, 21:02 IST
MacDill Air Force base, Florida under attack? All on shelter-in-place order after security threat
The FBI said a suspicious package found at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida contained possible energetic materials, prompting a bomb squad response and temporary security lockdown. The base remains on high alert as U.S. military installations increase precautions amid tensions related to the Iran conflict.
Federal investigators say a suspicious package discovered outside a gate at MacDill Air Force Base earlier this week contained what officials described as “possible energetic materials,” prompting a security response and heightened precautions at the installation.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the package was reported near the base visitor center on March 16 at about 11:20 a.m. local time. Security personnel quickly set up a cordon around the area and redirected traffic to another entrance while bomb technicians were called to investigate.
Base officials said the scene was secured out of caution, and the area remained restricted for several hours. By late afternoon, authorities determined the package no longer posed a threat, and normal operations resumed after the item was removed by FBI bomb technicians from the bureau’s Tampa field office.
After an initial examination, investigators said field screening identified “possible energetic materials,” a term used for substances capable of releasing large amounts of energy when exposed to heat, shock or friction. These materials can include explosives, propellants or certain fuels. Officials said laboratory testing is still underway and the investigation remains active.
The incident comes as the base is operating under increased security conditions. MacDill is currently atForce Protection Condition Charlie , one of the highest alert levels used by the U.S. military, indicating that a credible threat may exist and additional protective measures are required.
The heightened alert follows rising tensions connected to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Since fighting began in late February, U.S. military installations and federal security agencies have been monitoring for potential retaliatory threats inside the United States. Several bases across the country have increased security, and some have temporarily restricted access in recent weeks.
MacDill Air Force Base plays a key role in U.S. military operations because it hosts United States Central Command, which oversees missions across the Middle East, Central Asia and parts of South Asia. The base is also home to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, whose aircraft support operations worldwide.
Earlier this week, the installation briefly issued a shelter-in-place order after receiving a separate threat. Officials later lifted the order but said the base would remain at the elevated alert level while the situation is reviewed.
Military officials said they are taking every precaution to protect personnel and facilities and urged anyone on the base to report suspicious activity immediately. Authorities have not said who left the package or whether the incident is connected to any broader threat.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the package was reported near the base visitor center on March 16 at about 11:20 a.m. local time. Security personnel quickly set up a cordon around the area and redirected traffic to another entrance while bomb technicians were called to investigate.
Base officials said the scene was secured out of caution, and the area remained restricted for several hours. By late afternoon, authorities determined the package no longer posed a threat, and normal operations resumed after the item was removed by FBI bomb technicians from the bureau’s Tampa field office.
After an initial examination, investigators said field screening identified “possible energetic materials,” a term used for substances capable of releasing large amounts of energy when exposed to heat, shock or friction. These materials can include explosives, propellants or certain fuels. Officials said laboratory testing is still underway and the investigation remains active.
The incident comes as the base is operating under increased security conditions. MacDill is currently at
The heightened alert follows rising tensions connected to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Since fighting began in late February, U.S. military installations and federal security agencies have been monitoring for potential retaliatory threats inside the United States. Several bases across the country have increased security, and some have temporarily restricted access in recent weeks.
MacDill Air Force Base plays a key role in U.S. military operations because it hosts United States Central Command, which oversees missions across the Middle East, Central Asia and parts of South Asia. The base is also home to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, whose aircraft support operations worldwide.
Earlier this week, the installation briefly issued a shelter-in-place order after receiving a separate threat. Officials later lifted the order but said the base would remain at the elevated alert level while the situation is reviewed.
Military officials said they are taking every precaution to protect personnel and facilities and urged anyone on the base to report suspicious activity immediately. Authorities have not said who left the package or whether the incident is connected to any broader threat.