Intruder Caught at Joint Base Andrews

Intruder Caught at Joint Base Andrews

Unwanted person wandered unencumbered for hours before boarding military plane

A distracted gate guard allowed an unauthorized man to illegally enter Joint Base Andrews, where he roamed for about five hours. He also climbed aboard a C-40 Clipper, an aircraft frequently used by senior government leaders.

The incident occurred on Feb. 4, and an investigation found that the man gained access when the guard was distracted, and allowed the man to drive through the base entry. Three failures were identified by the Inspector General’s (IG) office.

  1. Once on base the many roamed “unencumbered” for more than five hours, visiting the facilities food court and passenger lounge.
  2. Upon leaving the lounge, the man wandered around outside, and found a partially open gate leaving access leading to the flight line.
  3. Once on the flight line, military staff failed to observe the man walking toward the aircraft, and staff on the flight line did not challenge his presence.

The C-40 had been left open for aircrew communications training, and crew on the aircraft failed to challenge the man when he boarded. The man was wearing dark pants, and a dark jacket, and carrying a backpack as though mistaken for a civilian contactor. However, the man didn’t fit in on the base because he was wearing a bright red-pink hat with balls on top, meant to resemble mouse ears. Once the man left the aircraft he was arrested by military police, but only when someone in the passenger terminal alerted security. He was then turned over to local police. The investigation also discovered that the man had consumed alcohol prior to entering the base.

The man could have roamed a lot longer had an airman not reported him, according to Lt. Gen. Sami Said of the Air Force OIG, who briefed reporters. The review also determined that Presidential aircraft were safe at all times.

The presidential 747 aircraft is stored at Joint Base Andrews, however, the IG noted that it was “safe at all times under a more robust security layer within a protected self-contained area manned by armed security personal.”

Featured

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.