Civilian Navy Employee Causes Hoax Shooter Threat, Triggers Lockdown at NJ Military Base

Malika Brittingham, a civilian Navy employee at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey, was arrested for falsely reporting an active shooter to initiate a lockdown at the base. She sent a text claiming she heard gunshots and was hiding with coworkers, which led to a base-wide lockdown and a law enforcement response. Investigations revealed Brittingham made the hoax claim to "trauma bond" or create a shared traumatic experience with coworkers, as she felt ostracized by them. Authorities confirmed there was no actual shooter, and the lockdown lasted about an hour before an all-clear was given. Federal prosecutors have charged Brittingham with knowingly conveying false information, with officials emphasizing that such fear-mongering will not be tolerated. The incident caused significant disruption and prompted warnings from New Jersey's governor and acting U.S. attorney.