Authorities in San Diego have found no evidence of gunshots or injuries at a naval medical center, but the investigation was continuing at the facility after the lockdown was lifted, the Associated Press reported.
Police and military authorities swarmed the facility soon after the naval medical center posted a Facebook warning to staff to “run, hide or fight”.
“As of right now we have found absolutely nothing that indicates there were any shots fired,” Captain Curt Jones, commander of the San Diego naval base, told reporters. “There are no casualties at this time.”
Earlier that morning, a witness said an unknown gunman fired three shots into the air inside the basement of building 26, which houses a recreation area and gym for wounded service members.
That triggered an alert on the hospital’s Facebook page: “An active shooter has just been been reported in building #26 at Naval Medical Center San Diego. All occupants are advised to run, hide or fight. All non-emergency response personnel are asked to stay away from the compound.”
Jon Nylander, a navy spokesman, told media the facility took the reported gunshots seriously. “Apparently someone said they heard three shots in the basement of building 26. Maybe they did or not is not the point; that’s what they reported, so that’s why we responded accordingly.”
Dozens of law enforcement agents from the police, sheriff’s department and navy sealed off the building. Three nearby schools were locked down.
The medical center posted an update shortly after 9am saying the facility was secured but that the investigation was continuing.
