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Two Airmen Plead Guilty in Cover-Up of Fatal M18 Shooting at F.E. Warren

Air Force testing cleared the M18 as safe, redirecting attention to the alleged shooter’s conduct.

Overview

  • Airmen Sarbjot Badesha and Matthew Rodriguez admitted to making false official statements about the July 20 shooting and received short confinement, fines, and administrative demotions.
  • Court testimony described Marcus White-Allen pulling his duty M18, pointing it at Airman Brayden Lovan’s chest in a joking manner, and the weapon firing.
  • Witnesses said White-Allen immediately pushed a false narrative, instructing them to claim a duty belt or holster caused the discharge.
  • Global Strike Command temporarily paused the M18 at nuclear sites but restored it to service in late August after inspections and lab testing found no defects in White-Allen’s pistol and evidence indicated his finger was on the trigger.
  • White-Allen was arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and false statements before being found dead on base Oct. 8, a death that remains under investigation.