Read, Watch or Listen

A civilian U.S. Navy employee has been charged with falsely reporting an active shooter at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. Malika Brittingham allegedly sent a text message claiming to hear gunshots, triggering a base-wide lockdown and emergency notification. Authorities later determined the report was a hoax, and Brittingham admitted to fabricating the incident. She reportedly told investigators she did it to 'trauma bond' with colleagues after feeling ostracized.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.