FBI says suspicious package found at Florida Air Force base contained 'possible energetic materials' - AP News

AP News
March 18, 2026
3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

FBI found a suspicious package containing possible energetic materials at a Florida Air Force base.

AI Summary

The FBI discovered a suspicious package at a Florida Air Force base containing what agents described as "possible energetic materials," according to the agency's assessment. Air Force bases routinely receive packages from multiple sources, making security screening a standard protocol at such facilities. The presence of potentially hazardous materials triggered an official FBI investigation to determine the package's origin, contents, and intent. Energetic materials—substances capable of rapid chemical reactions—can range from industrial compounds to explosive devices, requiring careful forensic analysis. The investigation will likely determine whether the package poses a genuine threat or resulted from mishandling of legitimate materials.

What's Being Done

The FBI is investigating the suspicious package discovery at the Air Force facility.

Source Coverage Map

3 of 43 tracked sources covered this story

Overlooked Story
7% coverage
Did Not Cover (40)
ICIJ97AP World News96AP News96AP Top News96ProPublica95+35 more

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Other Sources Covering This Story

2 sources

Multiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Possible improvised explosive device found at MacDill Air Force Base Monday: Sources
National Security

Possible improvised explosive device found at MacDill Air Force Base Monday: Sources

A package which contained what appeared to be an improvised explosive device was discovered outside the MacDill AFB visitor center, multiple sources told ABC News.

ABC NewsMar 18
FBI joins New Mexico search for missing retired Air Force general
National Security

FBI joins New Mexico search for missing retired Air Force general

Friday will mark two weeks since a retired Air Force major general who previously oversaw a base associated with UFO lore was last seen in Albuquerque, N.M. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) issued a Silver Alert for William “Neil” McCasland the day he went missing.  In an update shared on social media last Friday,…

The HillMar 12
1 killed, another injured in shooting at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico
National Security

1 killed, another injured in shooting at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico

Military officials say a shooting at a U.S. Air Force base in New Mexico has left one person dead and another wounded.

CBS NewsMar 18
US says it may be forced to shut down some airports over funding standoff - Reuters
Government Transparency

US says it may be forced to shut down some airports over funding standoff - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitgFBVV95cUxNWU9wb29WMnBiNjhGdUdPYjZLczZrODkwUFRyQkJxdHVVbFl4TW40YkVaYWVCR2hTelpCOG1SR3RDbVM1VzJ6V2RPNm9oN1didFpRMHJ4cWx5MmF6Y0VYRjdVMGFWc1JYTkdMNnd2VEdoa09mbWRSa0NITjhBNzIxOGZtc0R2NVZKT0FRZWNtRnZkaElCblZGYkU5ZTEzLXNiNjQ2NW1DNGxicG1jWW9jenpjajFOUQ?oc=5" target="_blank">US says it may be forced to shut down some airports over funding standoff</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

ReutersMar 17
A strong chemical smell forces a 1-hour flight halt at 4 major DC-area airports - AP News
Environment

A strong chemical smell forces a 1-hour flight halt at 4 major DC-area airports - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMisgFBVV95cUxPMkd3TW1RWHBydmFXT0NFNXFzVUg0Zk5ST1ZUZDVkQWhWSEptbTQ2RFR5M1dLN3JDcEppSUtvYjEzYWtxaGlPZ1FIc1ZOSnZaTVhudGRrMk9RRnFYUlI2bENicThZVXVVckhNZHpGX2dTek9wVVFNYnc4a1RpYUU1QkcwZVdfMDJBYjM5UFhoamgwRW1QRjllQ0dUaG1QZFg5bHFwTnNZUnQxbWdiRjU3dV93?oc=5" target="_blank">A strong chemical smell forces a 1-hour flight halt at 4 major DC-area airports</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 13
Air Force Academy Prepares Ideological Overhaul, With Erika Kirk Bringing “Bold Christian Faith”
Politics

Air Force Academy Prepares Ideological Overhaul, With Erika Kirk Bringing “Bold Christian Faith”

The academy’s oversight board records show leaders dismantling DEI to align with Trump directives. Critics warn the military is becoming “a Christian nationalist praetorian guard.” The post Air Force Academy Prepares Ideological Overhaul, With Erika Kirk Bringing “Bold Christian Faith” appeared first on The Intercept .

The InterceptMar 19
Read Next
Top counterterrorism official resigns over the Iran war, saying "Iran posed no imminent threat"
National Security

Top counterterrorism official resigns over the Iran war, saying "Iran posed no imminent threat"

Joe Kent, President Trump's director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on Tuesday citing the Iran war and saying, "Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation." Kent, who was a controversial pick to lead the agency, is the first senior official to step down over the war and the first to resign during Mr. Trump's second term.

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources