Cheyenne (Agencies), 8 August 2025 — An Airman has been arrested in connection with the death of Airman Brayden Lovan, 21, who was fatally shot on duty at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming on July 20. The Air Force confirmed the arrest on Thursday, stating that the unnamed Airman is suspected of making a false official statement, obstruction of justice, and involuntary manslaughter. A formal charge sheet has not yet been released, and the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Lovan, a native of Kentucky, had joined the Air Force in November 2023 and was assigned to the 90th Security Forces Squadron. He served as a “remote targeting engagement system operator,” responsible for managing the base’s security towers. According to the Air Force, the fatal incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when an M18 handgun discharged a 9mm round, striking Lovan while he was on duty.
Initial reports suggested the firearm may have discharged unintentionally, prompting servicewide inspections of the M18 pistol. The Air Force Global Strike Command, which oversees nuclear missile operations at Warren, and units within Air Combat Command, temporarily suspended use of the M18 until personnel completed updated training on firearm handling and safety protocols.
The M18, manufactured by Sig Sauer, was adopted by the U.S. military in 2020 to replace the aging M9 pistol. The Air Force purchased approximately 125,000 units for $22 million. The firearm is based on the civilian P320 model, which has faced multiple lawsuits over alleged unintentional discharges. Sig Sauer has defended the safety of its products and stated on July 29 that it had offered to assist in the Air Force’s investigation.
“This was an isolated incident that does not pose a threat to the base or community,” the Air Force said in an earlier statement. However, the tragedy has sparked renewed scrutiny of the M18’s reliability and maintainability, especially in high-security environments.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details have not been released. The Air Force continues to review its firearm protocols and training standards in light of the incident.