A security threat prompted MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, to issue a shelter-in-place order. “A threat was made against MacDill Air Force Base. We take all threats seriously and are taking appropriate measures to prioritize the safety and security of our installation. As a matter of policy, we will not release specifics on what security measures have been implemented,” the base stated on Facebook. #BREAKING MacDill Air Force Base is under a shelter-in-place order over a threat made to the military installation, officials say. https://t.co/4HJZHldJA2 pic.twitter.com/UAuEZPkvcY — WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) March 18, 2026 Newsweek shared further: MacDill is home to U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, making security changes closely watched as the situation develops. The action followed an incident on Monday in which a suspicious package was reported near the Dale Mabry Gate visitor center, leading to traffic diversions and an investigation involving the FBI. Authorities later said that area was cleared, though the investigation remained ongoing. In response to the incidents, MacDill elevated its security posture to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Charlie, the second‑highest level used by the U.S. military when intelligence or an incident indicates a potential threat to personnel or facilities. Under FPCON Charlie, access to the base is tightened, identification checks are increased and non‑essential movement may be restricted. JUST IN: Bomb techs responding to suspicious package at Macdill Air Force Base (AFB) visitor center in Tampa, Florida, per FBI Tampa. The base is home to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters. pic.twitter.com/kImtXxtg6s — Noteworthy News (@newsnoteworthy) March 16, 2026 “Shelter in place has been lifted and the gates are open and will resume normal FPCON Charlie operations. The threat to MacDill Air Force Base has been cleared and we appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation. We take all threats seriously and will continue to prioritize the safety and security of our installation, our mission, and our people,” the base said in an update post. WFLA noted: Three U.S. airmen assigned to MacDill were also among the six people killed in a refueling aircraft crash in Iraq, although officials said that the incident was not caused by enemy or friendly fire.