Florida Air Force base on alert after suspicious package contained possible energetic materials

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Federal investigators said a suspicious package found outside a gate at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa contained “possible energetic materials,” a finding that triggered an initial shelter-in-place order and a sustained increase in the base’s security posture. The FBI said Wednesday that an analysis of the material had not been completed and that the investigation was continuing.

In a statement posted on social media, the FBI Tampa office said the material was only under initial characterization and provided no further details about what it contained. The FBI did not respond to an email seeking clarification on what type of material was in the package found Monday outside the base’s Visitor Center gate, according to the report.

MacDill officials said the shelter-in-place order followed a threat that had been received earlier in the week. “We take all threats seriously and are taking appropriate measures to prioritize the safety and security of our installation. As a matter of policy, we will not release specifics on what security measures have been implemented,” the officials said in a statement posted on social media.

The order was lifted about two hours later, but the base remained on high alert, officials said. On Tuesday, MacDill began operating under Force Protection Charlie, referred to as “FPCON CHARLIE,” which is described as the second-highest military security level that allows officials to “implement deliberate security measures proactively.”

An advisory issued with the change said all personnel at the base “should remain vigilant, follow the direction of security forces, and report any suspicious activity immediately.” MacDill, where U.S. Central Command is located, is responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, Central Asia and parts of South Asia.

AP reported that MacDill has been on heightened alert since the war in Iran began, and noted that last week all six crew members of a KC-135 refueling aircraft died in a crash while supporting operations against Iran. Three of the crew members were connected to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill, the officials said.