Active shooter reported at Air Force Academy hours after cadets disciplined over racial slurs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The Air Force Academy confirmed reports late Friday night of a possible shooter on academy grounds.

Authorities say the academy in Colorado was placed on lockdown at around 10 p.m. MDT, and that text messages were sent to airmen warning them of the incident.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said on Twitter that it was investigating the reports of gunfire.

The Gazette in Colorado Springs reported that security forces said they believed the incident was taking place at the academy’s prep school.

Earlier this week the Air Force Academy leader delivered a stern message in a speech to cadets after someone wrote racial slurs on message boards outside the dorm rooms of five black students at the prep school.

Lt Gen Silveria came out against racist comments at the Air Force Academy

I salute the General for his leadership on racism in the military pic.twitter.com/esFRyiNHbd

— Red T Raccoon (@RedTRaccoon) September 29, 2017

2 days after the racism on my door we got people shooting up the school ? I’m starting to feel like I made a mistake real talk ?

— JB (@Jelani_Bland35) September 30, 2017

Active shooters here at the academy. Please say a prayer for us all! I love you all and stay safe???? pic.twitter.com/di9FJ9UhBk

— Brad (@bradleykkim) September 30, 2017

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Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazette.com