Operations at Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, have returned to normal following a significant security alert on Monday. A report of a suspected explosive device at a vehicle inspection point triggered a multi-agency response, leading to road closures and the deployment of a bomb squad.
Key Takeaways
- A suspected explosive device was reported at a vehicle inspection bay at Buckley Space Force Base around 10:30 a.m. on Monday.
- A 1,000-foot safety cordon was established, and nearby roads, including East 6th Avenue, were closed for several hours.
- A bomb squad investigated the scene with a robot and specialized equipment, ultimately finding no threat.
- The base resumed normal operations by 2:15 p.m., and all roads were reopened.
Emergency Response at Base Entrance
The incident began on the morning of December 29, 2025, when security personnel received a report concerning a potential explosive device. The alert was centered on Building 510, a vehicle inspection bay located near the base's 6th Avenue entrance gate.
In response, base officials immediately implemented security protocols. A 1,000-foot safety cordon was established around the building to secure the area and ensure the safety of personnel. This precautionary measure effectively halted access through one of the base's primary entry points.
Local law enforcement, including the Aurora Police Department, was called to assist. Police units managed traffic control around the perimeter of the base, diverting vehicles away from the affected area.
Specialized Bomb Squad Deployed
By early afternoon, specialized units were on the scene to assess the situation. A bomb squad technician, dressed in heavy protective gear, was observed approaching a truck parked within the inspection bay. The investigation involved the use of a remote-controlled robot, a standard tool for safely examining and handling potentially hazardous materials from a distance.
The methodical inspection lasted for over an hour as the technician and robot carefully examined the vehicle and its contents. Emergency vehicles from local fire and rescue departments were also staged nearby as a precautionary measure during the tense operation.
A Coordinated Effort
The response involved a coordinated effort between Buckley's base security, the U.S. Space Force, and the Aurora Police Department to manage both the potential threat and the public impact, such as traffic disruptions.
Impact on Local Community and Traffic
The security alert had a direct impact on the surrounding community in Aurora. Just before 11:30 a.m., the Aurora Police Department announced the complete closure of East 6th Avenue in both directions. The closure spanned a significant section of the thoroughfare, from Tower Road to East Stephen D. Hogan Parkway.
This shutdown caused considerable traffic delays for local commuters and those trying to access the base. Base officials issued an advisory, warning personnel of expected delays at the 6th Avenue gate and recommending alternative routes.
The road remained closed for approximately two and a half hours. Around 2:00 p.m., after the investigation concluded, police confirmed that East 6th Avenue had been fully reopened to traffic.
All Clear Given, Operations Resume
After a thorough investigation, the bomb squad determined there was no explosive device and no threat to the base or the public. Following this confirmation, officials began to stand down the emergency response.
By 2:15 p.m., Space Force officials announced that the incident was resolved and that the base had resumed normal operations. The safety cordon was lifted, and access to the 6th Avenue gate was restored.
Buckley Space Force Base: A Key Installation
Located about 20 miles east of downtown Denver, Buckley Space Force Base is a critical military installation. It is one of only three Space Force bases in Colorado, alongside Peterson and Schriever bases in Colorado Springs. The base is home to Space Delta 4, which provides missile warning capabilities, as well as the 140th Wing of the Colorado Air National Guard and other tenant units. Its history dates back to 1938, having served various branches of the U.S. military over the decades.
While the alert caused several hours of disruption, the swift and coordinated response ensured that the situation was resolved without incident. Officials have not released further details about the nature of the initial report that prompted the investigation.