The US Air Force has released the following statement regarding the death of Amn Lovan on 20 July, 2025 as involuntary manslaughter, committed by another Airman.

“Air Force authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the facts and circumstances of the fatal firearm discharge at F.E. Warren AFB on 20 July 2025 that involved an M18 pistol.  Out of an abundance of caution and based on initial reporting, Air Force authorities ordered various safety precautions involving the M18 after this tragic event.  Since then, the investigation has progressed and an individual has now been arrested on suspicion of making a false official statement, obstruction of justice, and involuntary manslaughter.  As with all individuals accused of a crime, the person arrested in this case is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  The investigation in this case is ongoing and further details are not available.”

We are waiting to hear from Air Force Global Strike Command whether they have lifted the restriction on use of the M18 pistol put in place in late July.

Update: AFGSC has stated that they have not completed inspections of their M18 fleet yet. We’re not particularly surprised considering it took the command 22 months to release a report on a HMMWV rollover in 23 which resulted in a fatality. They seem to lack a sense of urgency. We hope that doesn’t extend to use of their portions of the nuclear triad in the event they are ever called upon.

Following a fatality of a Security Forces Airman on 20 July, 2025, Gen Thomas Bussiere, the Commanding General of Air Force Global Strike Command has ordered a pause in use of the M18 Modular Handgun pending completion of Air Force Office of Special Investigations and Safety investigations.

In lieu of the sidearm, subordinate Wing Commanders will arm personnel with the M4 rifle in place of the M18. The M18 is manufactured by SIG SAUER and is based on the commercial P320.

While the Internet is rife with rumors, other than the fact that a Security Forces Airman (and by that the AF means a member of the service and not a rank) tragically lost their life in an incident involving an M18, we don’t know much more.

We’re not going to expect official findings for some time. The last fatality in that Squadron was in September 2023 and involved a roll over of an uparmoured HMMWV in inclement conditions and the report was released just last week.

While it would seem at its surface that the pause in use is significant, it has always been Air Force policy to pause training and operational use of systems which are involved in fatalities. This usually includes aircraft or hazardous activities such as diving or parachuting. During the pause, the command’s Combat Arms personnel, who conduct weapons training and maintenance, will wisely conduct 100% inspections of all Wing-assigned M18 weapons systems using:
Technical Order 11W-3-4-32 and additional supplemental inspection guidance in development by AFGSC/A3S. This latter guidance will be interesting to see.

So far, this stand-down is not Air Force-wide and only applies to the units involved in the nuclear enterprise. Aside from collaboration with the Air Force Security Forces Center, there are indications that other Major Commands within the Air Force are also considering a pause in the weapon’s use. This isn’t surprising as they seek guidance at the service level.

We have not yet reached out to the Small Arms program office of the Air Force or PEO Soldier’s Product Manager Soldier Weapons for comment due to this story breaking late yesterday afternoon. Manufacturer SIG provided us with this statement:

“Our hearts are with the service members and families impacted by the recent reported event at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base. We have offered assistance to the U.S. Military as they investigate the incident and remain willing to help in furtherance of their ongoing investigation.”

Below is a copy of the implementing AFGSC memorandum.

As soon as we know more, we’ll share it.