A US airman has been charged with obstruction of justice and involuntary manslaughter in reference to a fatal firearm discharge at an Air Force base in July, which resulted in the dying of a 21-year-old service member.
The on-duty incident, which killed Airman Brayden Lovan, occurred in the early morning hours of July 20 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. Few particulars have been offered concerning the firearm discharge, although the Air Force stated at the time that it was below investigation and out of abundance of warning safety forces had been conducting “100% inspections of the M18 handguns to identify immediate safety concerns.”
An Air Force spokesperson stated in an announcement on Friday that the investigation “has progressed and an individual has now been arrested on suspicion of making a false official statement, obstruction of justice, and involuntary manslaughter.”
“As with all individuals accused of a crime, the person arrested in this case is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” the spokesperson stated. “The investigation in this case is ongoing and further details are not available.”
As a results of the incident, Air Force Global Strike Command ordered a pause of utilizing the M18 handgun — manufactured by Sig Sauer — till additional discover.
“Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety and security of our personnel, the pause will remain in place pending the completion of comprehensive investigations by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the AFGSC Safety office,” Air Force Global Strike Command stated in a launch in July. “During this period, Security Forces Airmen will be equipped with the M4 rifle, ensuring no lapse in AFGSC’s security posture.”
Sig Sauer said in a statement that the corporate “proactively offered assistance” to the army as they examine, and “remain willing to help in furtherance of their ongoing inquiry.”
Lovan entered energetic obligation in November 2023, and had been serving at F.E. Warren Air Force Base for his first task with the ninetieth Security Forces Squadron since May 2024. The commander of the ninetieth Security Forces Group, Col. Jeremy Sheppard, referred to as Lovan a “valued defender, teammate and friend.”