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23-Year-Old Charged After Nellis AFB Gate Shooting as Base Reopens

Police documents say he threatened airmen, having earlier told family he wanted to die in a shootout.

Overview

  • Shortly before 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, police say the suspect fired at Nellis’ main gate and pointed a gun at security, who shot him.
  • Police identified him as Pierce McFarland, 23, who faces assault with a deadly weapon and other counts; a judge set bail at $100,000 after he missed a hearing for medical reasons.
  • Documents quote McFarland telling an airman, "Where are your guns? I got mine," before walking into the base and being struck twice in the hip and buttocks.
  • A family member had called police earlier reporting he wanted to die by suicide in a shootout with officers, according to investigators.
  • The main gate and visitor center closed for several hours, an alternate gate handled traffic, and the main gate reopened by 8:55 a.m. as officials reported no ongoing public threat and an active investigation.