Kirtland Air Force Base, NM – February 22, 2025 – The U.S. Air Force has identified Airman Basic Brion Teel-Scott, 27, of Bordentown, New Jersey, as the service member who was fatally shot in an incident that occurred outside the Truman Gate at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The incident, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, February 22, 2025, has left the Air Force community in mourning and raised several questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

According to official reports, Teel-Scott, a member of the 377th Security Forces Squadron, was allegedly attempting to evade an attempted detention when the situation escalated. The sequence of events resulted in an off-base pursuit and gunfire, ultimately leading to the tragic loss of the airman’s life.

In addition to Teel-Scott’s death, another airman suffered a gunshot wound to the hand. The identity of the injured airman has not yet been released, and details regarding their medical condition remain scarce at this time. The Air Force has confirmed that the wounded service member is receiving medical treatment, but no additional details have been provided about their prognosis.

Sequence of Events Leading to the Shooting

The shooting incident reportedly unfolded around 2 a.m. local time on Saturday morning, in the vicinity of the Truman Gate, one of the primary access points to Kirtland Air Force Base. While the full details are still under investigation, preliminary reports indicate that base security personnel attempted to detain Teel-Scott. However, instead of complying, he allegedly fled the scene, prompting a security response that extended beyond the base’s immediate perimeter.

During the ensuing chase, shots were fired. One airman sustained a gunshot wound to the hand, while Teel-Scott was fatally struck. The exact circumstances of the shooting—such as who fired the fatal shot, how many rounds were discharged, and whether any warnings were issued before the use of lethal force—are still unclear.

Immediate Response and Emergency Efforts

Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene following reports of gunfire. Base medical personnel, along with local emergency services, arrived to provide assistance. Despite the swift response, Teel-Scott succumbed to his injuries, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The injured airman was transported to a nearby medical facility, where they are undergoing treatment for their wound. The Air Force has assured that they are receiving the best possible medical care and support during this time.

Air Force and Community Reactions

Col. Michael Power, commander of the 377th Air Base Wing, issued a formal statement expressing profound grief and condolences over the tragic loss of an airman in such a sudden and distressing manner.

“Losing a member of your team is never easy, but the circumstances of this incident make it that much harder,” said Col. Power. “Additionally, we are ensuring our injured defender, the Wingmen of both members, and our base community receive the best possible care and support.”

The Kirtland Air Force Base community, along with Teel-Scott’s friends, fellow service members, and family members, has been left in shock and mourning. Tributes have begun pouring in, with many expressing disbelief over the tragic loss of a dedicated airman.

Ongoing Investigation and Involvement of Federal Agencies

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) is leading the investigation into the incident, with additional assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Both agencies are working to piece together the exact circumstances that led to Teel-Scott’s fatal shooting.

Key questions under scrutiny include:

• What specific incident led to the initial attempt to detain Teel-Scott?
• Why did Teel-Scott flee the scene instead of complying with security personnel?
• What prompted the use of lethal force, and was it justified under military and legal protocols?
• Were proper rules of engagement and escalation-of-force procedures followed?

Background on Airman Basic Brion Teel-Scott

Brion Teel-Scott, originally from Bordentown, New Jersey, was a 27-year-old airman who had recently been stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base as part of the 377th Security Forces Squadron.

Though he had not been in service for an extended period, he had already built a reputation as a determined, hardworking, and dedicated airman. Those who knew him described him as someone with strong leadership qualities and a deep commitment to his duties.

His family, upon learning of his tragic passing, has been grappling with shock, grief, and unanswered questions. Friends and colleagues have taken to social media to express their condolences and share memories of their time with Teel-Scott.

Implications for Military and Security Protocols

Given that the incident occurred outside a military installation, the case has drawn significant attention within military and law enforcement circles. There are ongoing discussions regarding the use of force protocols and how similar situations should be handled in the future.

Military installations, particularly those with heightened security concerns, have strict protocols regarding unauthorized actions, particularly when it involves military personnel attempting to breach security or evade detention. However, in this case, where an airman lost his life, questions about de-escalation tactics and alternative methods of detainment are being raised.

Experts believe that the findings of this investigation could influence:

• Future training procedures for security forces at military bases.
• Potential policy changes regarding how armed security personnel engage with service members.
• Public and military discussions on when lethal force is necessary and justified.

What Happens Next?

With the investigation ongoing, military and federal officials will continue reviewing:

• Body camera footage and surveillance footage from the incident.
• Witness statements from those present at the scene.
• Forensic evidence to determine how the shots were fired and from what distance.
• Security protocols to ensure procedures were properly followed.

The Air Force has urged patience as the investigation unfolds, assuring that transparency will be maintained throughout the process.

How to Stay Updated on the Investigation

For those seeking additional details or with relevant information about the case, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) can be contacted at linda.card@us.af.mil.

The loss of Airman Basic Brion Teel-Scott is a heartbreaking event that has deeply impacted the Kirtland Air Force Base community, the U.S. Air Force, and his loved ones. As military and federal investigators work diligently to uncover the full details of what transpired that tragic night, his memory will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fellow service members as they navigate this difficult time.