HONOLULU — Hawaii authorities swiftly responded to a concerning situation as a man, 27-year-old Paul Smith, fled with a handgun after a scuffle while attempting to engage soldiers at an Army base on Thursday. Although no shots were fired, the incident prompted an “active shooter situation” response from the Army, leading to a lockdown at two military bases on Oahu.
Michael Donnelly, a spokesperson for U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, confirmed that the incident occurred when the individual was trying to converse with soldiers. The situation escalated into a scuffle, during which a handgun was witnessed and visible. The Army and Honolulu Police Department collaborated in their efforts to locate the suspect, who was last seen near the Schofield commissary on a bike.
Authorities later apprehended the man on the island of Molokai without incident, as reported by Maui Police Department spokesperson Alana Pico. While the specific details regarding whether the suspect was armed at the time of arrest were not disclosed, the situation was brought under control without further escalation.
In response to the incident, Schofield Barracks and neighboring Wheeler Army Airfield were placed on lockdown, with a shelter-in-place order issued for Schofield Barracks. The order was eventually lifted as law enforcement authorities secured the area.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time, coinciding with students leaving for the day from Daniel K. Inouye Elementary and Solomon Elementary schools on Schofield. Prompt measures were taken to secure the safety of students, staff, and parents, ensuring they were indoors during the incident.
Schofield Barracks, situated approximately 20 miles north of Honolulu, is home to the 25th Infantry Division and the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, with a population of about 60,000 individuals. Wheeler Army Airfield, adjacent to Schofield, houses the Hawaii Air National Guard and the headquarters for U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, further contributing to a combined population of over 90,000. The swift and coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies averted a potentially dangerous situation and ensured the safety of the military community and the public.
