Post by : Rameen Ariff

Two US Air Force airmen stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming have pleaded guilty to making false statements about the deadly shooting of their colleague, Airman Brayden Lovan, 21. The incident, which occurred in late July, led to a temporary suspension of the Sig Sauer M18 pistol at all nuclear weapons sites for a month.

According to an official Air Force statement released on Friday, the gun pause — enforced by the Air Force Global Strike Command — was lifted in late August after investigators confirmed that the M18 model was safe to use.

Tragic Shooting and False Statements

Lovan, a member of the 90th Security Forces Squadron, was fatally shot on July 20 when another airman, Marcus White-Allen, allegedly pointed his weapon at Lovan’s chest in a “joking manner.” Moments later, the gun went off, killing Lovan instantly.

Following the incident, White-Allen reportedly urged the two surviving airmen, Sarbjot Badesha and Matthew Rodriguez, to cover up the circumstances of the shooting. According to Air Force documents, White-Allen told Badesha, “Here’s the story. Tell them that I slammed my duty belt on the desk and it went off.” He also instructed Rodriguez to tell emergency responders that his “holster went off.”

Initially, both men complied and did not disclose the truth, leading investigators to suspect that White-Allen’s pistol had accidentally discharged.

Court Sentencing and Disciplinary Action

This week, both Badesha and Rodriguez were sentenced for making false official statements related to Lovan’s death.

• Airman Sarbjot Badesha received 30 days of confinement and forfeiture of $1,545.

• Airman Matthew Rodriguez was sentenced to 10 days in confinement, 15 days of restriction to base, and forfeiture of $500.

Both airmen also faced administrative demotions, the Air Force confirmed.

Shooter Found Dead

Meanwhile, Marcus White-Allen, who had been arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and making false statements, was found dead at the base on October 8. The Air Force has not released details about his death, stating that the investigation is ongoing.

Laramie County Coroner Rebecca Reid has so far declined to comment on the cause of death.

Gunmaker Denies Fault

The shooting temporarily halted the use of the Sig Sauer M18 at nuclear facilities amid lawsuits claiming the weapon can fire without the trigger being pulled. However, Sig Sauer, a New Hampshire-based gun manufacturer, strongly denied the allegations, asserting that the pistol is safe and that any issues arise from user error.

The company has already won several legal cases related to these claims, maintaining that the M18 pistol meets all safety standards used by US military branches.

Air Force Resumes Use of M18

After extensive safety checks and investigations, the Air Force Global Strike Command reinstated the M18 pistol in late August, affirming that the weapon remains safe for operational use. Other US military branches continued to use the pistol during the suspension period.

The tragic death of Brayden Lovan has sparked renewed discussions about firearm safety and accountability among service members, especially in sensitive defense units such as those guarding nuclear assets.

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