Vandenberg Middle and Manzanita Charter schools searched after report of shots fired; No injuries or threats found

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Deputies confirmed there are no threats or injuries at Vandenberg Middle School or Manzanita Charter School after a report of shots fired was received Tuesday morning.

Around 10 a.m., law enforcement and base personnel responded to a call of shots fired near both schools explained Vandenberg Space Force Base in a press release.

The 30th Security Forces Squadron at Vandenberg Space Force issued an all-clear and lifted the shelter-in-place mandate for both schools and the solar array between them after a sweep of the area shared Vandenberg Space Force Base.

The image below shows how close the Space Force Base and Vandenberg Middle School are to one another.

"The safety of our community remains our highest priority," said Colonel Mark Shoemaker, Space Launch Delta 30 commander. "These moments highlight the importance of our rigorous training and our strong connection with local law enforcement. It ensures that when we are called to action, we can respond swiftly and effectively."

According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, several schools in the area initiated a "protective action" on their respective campuses and the Lompoc Unified School District confirmed messages about the actions were sent to parents.

A family assistance center was set up at Timber Lane and Katsura Street for parents and guardians of students at Vandenberg Middle School shared the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

Personnel affiliated with the base will continue to patrol the area and will assist school staff with traffic flow for student pickup added Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Your News Channel reported Monday that Vandenberg Space Force Base would be conducting active shooter training drills during the week and the Sheriff's Office tweeted the following at 11:35 a.m.:

Vandenberg Space Force is clearing deputies from this call and taking over any remaining follow-up.

— PIO Raquel Zick (@SBSOPIO) November 19, 2024

According to Vandenberg Space Force Base, Tuesday's active shooter training was held at a different part of the base and is unrelated to the incident.

Below is a press release from Vandenberg Space Force Base about their planned active shooter training:

Space Launch Delta 30 will conduct a routine semi-annual active-shooter base exercise Nov. 19-20.  

This exercise will focus on the installation’s ability to respond to an Emergency Management crisis.

Individuals on and off-base may see and hear Base-wide announcements, emergency vehicles, temporary street closures, potential lockdown procedures and Force Protection Conditions Level changes.

Due to the active shooter exercise, the Base Exchange will be limited to only one entry point at the main entrance. Expect activity at this location. All activity will be in response to this exercise scenario.   

Expect intermittent traffic delays may occur at all Vandenberg Space Force Base gates.

This is an evolving law enforcement response and more information will be added to this article as it becomes available.