A fatal firearm incident at a Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming has prompted the temporary suspension of a widely used military handgun and launched a series of investigations.
According to Military.com, airman Brayden Lovan, 21, was killed Sunday at F.E. Warren Air Force Base when a discharged firearm left the young security forces member fatally wounded, prompting the Air Force to halt use of its standard M18 handgun and investigate the weapon’s safety.
Lovan was publicly identified by the Air Force on Thursday following the incident that occurred earlier in the week. The young airman, originally from Greenville, Kentucky, had been with the Air Force less than a year at the time of the incident. He had joined in November 2023 and was assigned to the 90th Security Forces Squadron in May 2024.
The weapon discharged at the base on Sunday has been confirmed as a Sig Sauer M18, a standard-issue 9mm handgun currently in use across the U.S. military. Following the fatality, Air Force Global Strike Command announced an immediate pause on the use of the M18 handgun while investigations unfold. This marks a significant reaction, reflecting broader concerns that have previously surfaced about this model and related firearms.
Air Force Faces Renewed Safety Questions
The M18, along with the larger M17 and the civilian P320 model, has been at the center of growing scrutiny. Multiple military reports and lawsuits allege that the weapon can discharge unintentionally, even without the trigger being pulled. So far, at least nine such incidents have been referenced in prior documentation. A joint investigation is being led by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Global Strike Command Safety Office, and Air Force Security Forces. These offices are working together to determine the facts of the incident involving Lovan. As of the latest reports, no conclusion has been reached on how the weapon discharged.
In response to the growing concerns, Sig Sauer—the manufacturer of the M18—has defended the weapon's integrity. In a March public statement, the company declared that the P320 and its variants “cannot, under any circumstances, discharge without a trigger pull.” The company said that any allegations to the contrary are not based on facts.
Sig Sauer Joins Federal Review Into Weapon
In addition to previous statements, Sig Sauer addressed the recent tragedy on social media. On Wednesday evening, the company posted that it had offered to assist the U.S. military with its investigation. The message expressed sympathy for those affected and emphasized its willingness to cooperate. The company had already taken legal action in another matter just last month. It filed a lawsuit in response to a ban issued by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, which prohibited new police recruits from using the P320 handgun. That decision was also based on questions surrounding the weapon's safety.
F.E. Warren Air Force Base issued a statement acknowledging the incident, confirming that no judgment has been made about the cause of the firearm’s discharge. The base said that findings would follow a thorough examination by appropriate safety and investigative agencies.
Community and Commanders Remember Lovan
Col. Jeremy Sheppard, head of the 90th Security Forces Group, expressed sorrow over the incident, calling Lovan a valued member of the team. “Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Airman Lovan,” said Sheppard. “We mourn the loss of a valued defender, teammate, and friend.” Lovan’s roots in western Kentucky were also highlighted in an online obituary published earlier in the week. He was remembered as an active member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville and a former three-sport athlete at Muhlenberg County High School. He graduated from the school in 2022.
His high school’s athletic department shared memories of his contributions. In a social media post, the department said Lovan’s dedication to football, basketball, and track and field had left a lasting impression, noting that "his impact on the field, court, and in the Air Force will never fade.”
Ongoing Probe Signals Broader Military Impact
The temporary pause on the M18’s use affects security and law enforcement personnel across multiple bases tied to the Air Force Global Strike Command. This command oversees the nation’s strategic missile force and relies heavily on personnel like Lovan to maintain security at critical installations. The Air Force has not indicated when the suspension of the M18 will be lifted. Investigators are expected to complete internal reviews of the handgun's function and safety protocols before making further updates. Any decision to reinstate its use will depend on their findings and further evaluations of risk.
The case has added to public interest in the safety of military and civilian semi-automatic handguns, particularly the P320 platform, which shares key design features with the M18. Although Sig Sauer has denied claims of unintentional discharge, ongoing lawsuits, and a military death, further attention will be paid to the model.
Military Leadership Focuses on Prevention
Officials within the Air Force have emphasized a commitment to transparency during the inquiry. They’ve pledged to fully examine all aspects of the firearm’s behavior and review training procedures surrounding its use. Any lapses or mechanical issues will likely impact future policy. The incident also comes as individual service branches review their weapons systems for reliability and accident prevention. High-profile fatalities, particularly in controlled environments like military bases, heighten awareness around both safety protocols and equipment performance.
As Lovan’s family and community grieve, his fellow airmen wait for results from an evolving investigation that may prompt significant changes to weapon handling across the force. For now, a talented young man’s life has become the catalyst for another round of questions about the reliability of a cornerstone firearm of U.S. military personnel.
