Warrensburg, Mo. – Authorities say two people are dead following an off-base, off-duty shooting involving an Airman assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base Wednesday morning in west-central Missouri. The incident prompted a temporary lockdown of Warrensburg schools and nearby businesses as law enforcement secured the area.
According to a news release, officers responded to a domestic disturbance in Warrensburg around 7:20 a.m. When police arrived, they encountered a suspect armed with a weapon who was fleeing on foot. The suspect reportedly fired multiple shots toward officers but did not strike anyone.
Before police arrived, a bystander attempted to intervene in the domestic situation and was shot and killed by the suspect, officials confirmed. A woman involved in the disturbance was treated for injuries and later released.
The Warrensburg Police Department quickly established a perimeter around the area, prompting lockdowns at all Warrensburg R-VI schools and nearby businesses as a precaution. The lockdowns lasted for roughly an hour before being lifted once the scene was secured.
The suspect was later found dead near the initial scene from what authorities believe to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The individual’s name has not yet been released.
Johnson County Emergency Management (JCEM) initially reported multiple road closures near East Hale Lake Road, Ridgeview Road, and Mitchell Road, just north of Warrensburg High School. Those roads have since reopened.
The Warrensburg Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, which confirmed the Airman’s involvement.
In a statement, the 509th Bomb Wing said it is fully cooperating with local authorities as they investigate the tragic incident.
Superintendent Dr. Steve Ritter of the Warrensburg R-VI School District thanked families for their patience and reassured the community that student and staff safety remains the district’s top priority:
“We know our community seeks timely and detailed information during situations like this. Please know that our priority is always student and staff safety… We will continue to share updates as promptly and transparently as possible, even when details may be limited,” Ritter said.
Authorities say there is no ongoing threat to the community, and the investigation remains active.
