Woman accused of orchestrating shooter hoax at NJ military base sought to establish a ‘trauma bond,’ according to federal authorities.
A civilian employee at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, located approximately 20 miles southeast of Trenton, New Jersey, has been arrested following a false active shooter threat, which prompted a significant lockdown of the military installation. Malika Brittingham, the individual in question, reportedly made the hoax call in an attempt to foster a sense of connection with her coworkers, according to investigators.
On a Tuesday morning, around 10:15 a.m., Brittingham sent a text message indicating that she had heard multiple gunshots and was hiding in a closet with others. This alarming message was received by a coworker who responded by alerting the base’s 911 operations center. In light of this communication, the base imposed a lockdown that lasted approximately one hour until the situation was deemed safe.
In the initial phase of the investigation, Brittingham asserted that she had sent the text message only after the lockdown alert was initiated. However, investigators quickly disproved this timeline. As the inquiry progressed, Brittingham confessed that her motivation for creating the threat stemmed from feelings of isolation among her peers at the base. Investigators noted that she sought to create a shared experience with her coworkers that would lead to what she referred to as “trauma bonding.”
Authorities condemned Brittingham’s actions, highlighting the serious ramifications of generating unfounded fear within a military environment. Acting New Jersey U.S. Attorney Alina Habba expressed her disapproval of such behavior, stating that the type of fear-mongering seen in this incident will not be tolerated in the state.
The use of social media has become a crucial tool for disseminating information and reactions to critical incidents, further amplifying the public’s awareness of such events. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of spreading misinformation, especially in settings where security and safety are paramount.
As investigations continue, the implications of this hoax extend beyond legal repercussions, raising important questions about workplace dynamics and the psychological impacts of social isolation. The case underscores the need for understanding and support within professional environments to prevent such distressing actions in the future.
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