Space Force Mistakes Invited Journalists for Intruders, Holds Them at Gunpoint

On August 17, 2026, guards at Vandenberg Space Force Base detained five invited journalists and two military members at gunpoint, thinking the group's official escort convoy was trespassing. Two service members were handcuffed. Officials blamed a communication breakdown and apologized. The group was held over 30 minutes and missed the groundbreaking event they were invited to cover.