Security Forces Airman Brandon Lovan was killed while on duty at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, on July 20, 2025. Preliminary reports from airmen stationed at the base attributed Lovan’s death to an uncommanded discharge from an Air Force-issued M18 pistol. In response to these reports, Global Strike Command and the entire Air Force conducted inspections of all M18 pistols in service.
On Oct. 31, 2025, the 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs published a court-martial summary following the investigation into Lovan’s death. Airman 1st Class Sarbjot Badesha and Airman 1st Class Matthew Rodriguez both pleaded guilty to making false official statements relating to Lovan’s death. Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen mishandled his M18, killing Lovan, and conspired with the others to cover up the incident.
During their guilty pleas, both Airmen admitted they saw White-Allen pull his duty weapon from his holster and point it at Lovan’s chest in a joking manner. Each stated they then heard the firearm go off and saw Lovan fallen on the ground. According to their pleas, in the immediate aftermath of the incident, White-Allen told Badesha, “Here’s the story. Tell them that I slammed my duty belt on the desk, and it went off.”
Additionally, White-Allen told Rodriguez to tell the responding emergency personnel, White-Allen’s “holster went off.” Neither Airman reported that information to investigators during their initial witness interviews on Jul. 20, 2025. The false statements from both Airmen hindered law enforcement efforts, leading investigators to initially believe Lovan’s death was a result of an accidental discharge from White-Allen’s M18.
Hellbound and Down 