The FBI is investigating whether or not a video claiming accountability for a attainable explosive machine left at MacDill Air Power Base in Florida final week is credible, in line with regulation enforcement sources.
The video, despatched to the Tampa Bay Instances through the app Sign, warns about extra attainable bombs. It additionally features a timeline for a sequence of threats concentrating on the bottom final week, together with the suspicious package deal found on March 16 and one other menace that led to a lockdown on the base later within the week, in line with the paper’s reporting.
Based on the newspaper, the individual speaking within the video is in silhouette and seems to be talking in an altered voice. The individual within the video claimed to be affiliated with a bunch that’s in opposition to the struggle in Iran and U.S. deportation coverage.
The individual within the video additionally claimed one other bomb was reportedly planted on the base on March 10, the newspaper reported. The individual within the video stated it didn’t detonate however claimed that any design flaws had been corrected.
An indication for MacDill Air Power Base is displayed on a concrete wall close to the principle gate alongside South Dale Mabry Freeway in Tampa, Florida, U.S. March 18, 2026.
Octavio Jones/Reuters
The newspaper, citing public security considerations, turned over the video to the FBI.
It’s unclear whether or not the individual or individuals behind the video are literally concerned in final week’s incidents, however the bureau is inspecting the video and making an attempt to study who’s behind it.
In response to a request for remark, the FBI stated in an announcement: “The FBI takes all threats critically and is committing our huge and complex assets to the investigation of final week’s threats at MacDill Air Power Base. We at present don’t have credible details about any potential threats.”
The assertion went on to say: “We proceed to work intently with federal, state, and native regulation enforcement and personal sector companions to maintain our neighborhood protected. As all the time, we ask the general public to please report something which will appear suspicious to regulation enforcement instantly.”
The suspicious package deal was discovered outdoors the MacDill Air Power Base customer heart on March 16, officers stated.
“Subject screening was performed on the contents of the package deal and recognized attainable energetic supplies. Remaining lab evaluation will not be but full,” the FBI’s Tampa workplace later stated in an X put up.
The FBI has not commented in regards to the attainable improvised explosive machine since that replace.
Tampa Police Division officers and U.S. Air Power service members block site visitors alongside South Dale Mabry Freeway after a safety menace prompted authorities to order personnel to shelter in place at MacDill Air Power Base in Tampa, Florida, U.S., March 18, 2026. REUTERS/Octavio Jones
Octavio Jones/Reuters
The day after the invention of the suspicious package deal, navy officers raised the menace stage of the bottom to FPCON Charlie — the second highest Power Safety stage out of 5 ranges indicating a critical menace has occurred.
Officers tightened safety measures in place across the base and the next day issued a shelter in place citing an unspecified menace. The shelter in place order was lifted just a few hours later.
MacDill Air Power Base is a important command hub for the Pentagon, internet hosting U.S. Central Command — which directs navy operations throughout the Center East — in addition to Particular Operations Command.
