The FBI is investigating whether or not a video claiming duty for a doable explosive machine left at MacDill Air Drive Base in Florida final week is credible, based on regulation enforcement sources.
The video, despatched to the Tampa Bay Occasions through the app Sign, warns about extra doable bombs. It additionally features a timeline for a collection of threats concentrating on the bottom final week, together with the suspicious package deal found on March 16 and one other menace that led to a lockdown on the base later within the week, based on the paper’s reporting.Â
In line with the newspaper, the particular person speaking within the video is in silhouette and seems to be talking in an altered voice. The particular person within the video claimed to be affiliated with a bunch that’s towards the battle in Iran and U.S. deportation coverage.
The particular person within the video additionally claimed one other bomb was reportedly planted on the base on March 10, the newspaper reported. The particular person within the video mentioned it didn’t detonate however claimed that any design flaws had been corrected.
An indication for MacDill Air Drive Base is displayed on a concrete wall close to the principle gate alongside South Dale Mabry Freeway in Tampa, Florida, U.S. March 18, 2026.
Octavio Jones/Reuters
The newspaper, citing public security issues, turned over the video to the FBI.
It’s unclear whether or not the particular person or individuals behind the video are literally concerned in final week’s incidents, however the bureau is inspecting the video and attempting to be taught who’s behind it.
In response to a request for remark, the FBI mentioned in an announcement: “The FBI takes all threats severely and is committing our huge and complicated sources to the investigation of final week’s threats at MacDill Air Drive Base. We at the moment should not have credible details about any potential threats.”
The assertion went on to say: “We proceed to work intently with federal, state, and native regulation enforcement and personal sector companions to maintain our neighborhood secure. As all the time, we ask the general public to please report something which will appear suspicious to regulation enforcement instantly.”
The suspicious package deal was discovered exterior the MacDill Air Drive Base customer heart on March 16, officers mentioned.
“Subject screening was carried out on the contents of the package deal and recognized doable energetic supplies. Last lab evaluation is just not but full,” the FBI’s Tampa workplace later mentioned in an X put up.
The FBI has not commented in regards to the doable improvised explosive machine since that replace.
Tampa Police Division officers and U.S. Air Drive service members block site visitors alongside South Dale Mabry Freeway after a safety menace prompted authorities to order personnel to shelter in place at MacDill Air Drive Base in Tampa, Florida, U.S., March 18, 2026. REUTERS/Octavio Jones
Octavio Jones/Reuters
The day after the invention of the suspicious package deal, navy officers raised the menace stage of the bottom to FPCON Charlie — the second highest Drive Safety stage out of 5 ranges indicating a severe menace has occurred.
Officers tightened safety measures in place across the base and the next day issued a shelter in place citing an unspecified menace. The shelter in place order was lifted just a few hours later.
MacDill Air Drive Base is a important command hub for the Pentagon, internet hosting U.S. Central Command — which directs navy operations throughout the Center East — in addition to Particular Operations Command.
