A wave of panic and confusion swept through Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in Portsmouth, VA, on the morning of Thursday, September 26, 2024, when an active shooter alert was triggered, leading to an immediate lockdown of the entire facility. As alarms echoed across the shipyard, thousands of workers, military personnel, and civilians braced for what could have been a catastrophic event. However, after an intense and swift investigation, law enforcement confirmed that the initial reports were false, revealing that a gun had been found inside a vehicle but no active shooter was present. The lockdown was lifted, and normal operations resumed shortly afterward. Yet, for many, the moments of uncertainty highlighted the real fear of such threats in today’s world, even within one of the nation’s most secure naval facilities.
The Initial Alert: Chaos at NNSY
It began like any other day at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, one of the oldest and largest shipyards in the United States, where tens of thousands of civilian workers and military personnel work on vital ship maintenance and repair projects. As a key installation for the U.S. Navy, NNSY is responsible for maintaining and overhauling nuclear-powered submarines and other vessels, making it a crucial component of national defense.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., however, the routine of the day was shattered when an emergency alert system blared over the shipyard’s public address system. “Lockdown, lockdown, lockdown!” the announcement rang out, sending an immediate sense of urgency across the sprawling shipyard. Personnel were told to shelter in place, secure doors, and follow emergency protocols, as there were reports of an active shooter on the premises.
The sudden escalation left many employees confused and fearful. Within minutes, the shipyard’s social media channels confirmed the lockdown, adding weight to the seriousness of the situation. A post from NNSY’s official account warned: “There are initial reports of an active shooter situation at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. All personnel should remain sheltered in place until further notice. All facilities commence lockdown procedures in accordance with your building Emergency Action Plan. This is NOT a drill.”
As news of the situation spread, families of those working inside the shipyard began to fear the worst. Calls and texts were exchanged rapidly between loved ones, with many searching for any updates on the safety of those inside. Some workers huddled under desks, locked in rooms with their colleagues, while others rushed to barricade doors and stay out of sight. The shipyard, which is typically bustling with activity, fell eerily silent as fear gripped the facility.
The Law Enforcement Response: Securing the Facility
Within moments of the initial alert, local and federal law enforcement agencies converged on the scene. The Portsmouth Police Department, working alongside the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the Navy’s own security personnel, immediately began to secure the perimeter of the shipyard. All inbound and outbound traffic was halted, and officers fanned out to investigate the source of the reported threat.
The presence of law enforcement was overwhelming, with tactical teams and emergency vehicles blocking off major entry points to the shipyard. Several areas surrounding the facility, including parts of the Elizabeth River and nearby commercial districts, were also placed on high alert, and residents were warned to avoid the area. Naval police, equipped with rifles and tactical gear, moved through the shipyard, ensuring that no one left their assigned areas until the situation was resolved.
One law enforcement official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, described the response: “Given the nature of the shipyard and its importance to national security, we treat any report of an active shooter with the highest level of seriousness. Our priority was to ensure the safety of everyone inside while working to identify the source of the threat.”
As personnel across the shipyard waited anxiously, rumors began to swirl about what had triggered the lockdown. Some speculated that shots had been fired, while others believed the shooter was still at large. Without any official confirmation, the level of anxiety grew, with many fearing the worst-case scenario.
The All-Clear Announcement: No Active Shooter Found
After what felt like an eternity for those inside, an announcement was made over the public address system shortly before noon, bringing relief but also more questions. “The active threat has been secured. Safe from lockdown,” the message declared, signaling the end of the lockdown and allowing personnel to return to their normal duties.
Shortly thereafter, NNSY’s social media account updated its followers, confirming that the active shooter report had been false. “All inbound and outbound traffic for the installation has resumed normal operations,” the statement read, assuring the public that the situation had been resolved. However, many people were left wondering what exactly had caused such a massive response in the first place.
In a follow-up statement, law enforcement officials revealed that while there had been no active shooter, a firearm had been discovered inside a vehicle parked on the premises. The gun, which was spotted by security personnel during a routine patrol of the facility, prompted the lockdown and subsequent investigation. The gun was immediately confiscated, and an individual associated with the vehicle was detained for questioning. While no shots had been fired, and no immediate threat to the shipyard’s personnel was found, the sight of the weapon had been enough to trigger the emergency protocols.
Andy Fox, a local reporter for Ten on Your Side, confirmed that the gun’s discovery was the catalyst for the lockdown. “A gun was spotted in a car at the facility and confiscated. Authorities are still trying to learn more about the circumstances surrounding how the weapon ended up on the shipyard grounds,” Fox reported. As of this writing, no further details about the individual who owned the firearm or their intentions have been released.
The Aftermath: Relief and Reflection
As the lockdown was lifted and personnel began to return to their duties, the mood inside Norfolk Naval Shipyard was one of relief mixed with lingering tension. Many workers expressed gratitude for the swift and professional response from law enforcement, but the experience had clearly shaken the shipyard’s community.
“At first, we thought it was real, that there was an active shooter on the loose,” said one shipyard employee who asked not to be named. “We didn’t know what to expect, and for a while, it was terrifying. But I’m glad the situation turned out to be nothing more than a misunderstanding.”
For others, the incident served as a sobering reminder of the ever-present threat of violence in today’s world. “It’s scary that just seeing a gun can trigger something like this, but I understand why it had to be done,” said another worker. “You can’t take any chances with something like this, especially at a place like the shipyard.”
Norfolk Naval Shipyard is not just any facility—it is a vital component of the U.S. Navy’s fleet operations, responsible for maintaining nuclear-powered vessels and ensuring the nation’s military readiness. The shipyard is also home to a large civilian workforce, making it a unique intersection of military and civilian life. As a result, any threat to the shipyard is treated with utmost seriousness, given the potential ramifications for national security.
Community Reaction: Anxiety and Concern
While those inside the shipyard were relieved that the situation had been resolved without incident, the events of the day sent shockwaves through the surrounding community. Portsmouth, VA, a city with a rich maritime history and deep ties to the Navy, has long viewed Norfolk Naval Shipyard as both a source of pride and a critical economic engine. The thought of an active shooter within the shipyard’s gates was enough to cause widespread alarm among residents.
Local businesses near the shipyard reported a sudden drop in foot traffic during the lockdown, as customers stayed away from the area in fear of the potential threat. One restaurant owner, whose business is located just a few blocks from the shipyard, described the scene as eerie: “It was like a ghost town. Usually, we get a lot of workers coming in for lunch, but today, the streets were empty. Everyone was either locked down or staying inside.”
Parents of children attending nearby schools were also on edge, with some expressing frustration over the lack of clear communication in the early moments of the incident. “We didn’t know what was going on,” said one parent. “All we knew was that there was a lockdown at the shipyard, and no one could tell us if it was safe to pick up our kids. It was really nerve-wracking.”
Ongoing Investigation: Looking for Answers
As the dust settles and normalcy returns to the shipyard, questions remain about how the situation unfolded and what steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The discovery of a gun on the premises, even if no shots were fired, raises serious concerns about security protocols at the shipyard. In a facility as important as NNSY, where the potential for sabotage or terrorism is always present, any breach of security is treated with the utmost seriousness.
Officials from Norfolk Naval Shipyard and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into how the weapon entered the facility and whether any security lapses contributed to the incident. In a press conference held later in the day, an NCIS spokesperson assured the public that all appropriate measures were being taken to ensure the continued safety of the shipyard’s personnel.
“We are committed to conducting a full review of the events that led to today’s lockdown,” the spokesperson said. “We take the security of Norfolk Naval Shipyard very seriously, and we will work with local law enforcement to ensure that any potential gaps in our security protocols are addressed.”
In the meantime, the individual associated with the vehicle where the gun was found remains in custody, though no charges have been filed as of yet. It remains unclear whether the presence of the weapon was an innocent mistake or part of a more nefarious plan. Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses and review security footage to piece together a complete picture of the day’s events.
For now, the residents of Portsmouth and the workers at Norfolk Naval Shipyard can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the threat was not real. But the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that exist in an unpredictable world, even within the secure confines of a naval facility. As the investigation unfolds, the shipyard will undoubtedly review its protocols and prepare for the future, knowing that the next time a lockdown is triggered, it may not be a false alarm.
