Civilian Detained After Violent Confrontation With Security Outside MacDill Air Force Base

A civilian was detained Saturday after breaching the perimeter and "violently engaging" security personnel outside MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, the 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office said.

Police officers with the Tampa Police Department block traffic along South Dale Mabry Highway near the main entrance of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., after a suspicious package was reported at the gate on March 16, 2026.

Local stations FOX 13 and WTSP-TV reported the individual entered the base perimeter at about 1 p.m. and became involved in a physical confrontation with security staff. The encounter left one security officer and the civilian with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the reports.

The headquarters of U.S. Central Command stands at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 6, 2017.

The base posted on Facebook at roughly 2:30 p.m.: "The Dale Mabry Gate is currently closed to inbound and outbound traffic until further notice. Please plan accordingly and avoid the Dale Mabry Gate area until further notice." Tampa Police Department officers were seen blocking traffic along South Dale Mabry Highway near the main entrance.

Investigation Underway

MacDill officials have not released details about what prompted the breach or the confrontation. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing. Local reporting also noted that personnel had responded to a separate report of a suspicious package at the gate on March 16, 2026.

MacDill Air Force Base is home to the headquarters of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Fox News Digital said it contacted the 6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office for further comment.