The U.S. Air Force has identified the 21-year-old airman killed in a firearm discharge incident Sunday at F.E. Warren Air Force Base as Airman Brayden Tyriq Lovan, a Security Forces member assigned to one of the nation’s most critical nuclear defense installations.
The fatal incident has triggered an Air Force-wide pause on the use of the Sig Sauer M18 service pistol and launched investigations into the safety of the weapon, which has faced increasing scrutiny for allegations of unintended discharges.
Airman Lovan, of Greenville, Kentucky, had only recently begun his assignment with the 90th Security Forces Squadron, serving as a Remote Targeting Engagement System Operator within the Weapons Storage Area — a secure facility supporting U.S. nuclear deterrence operations.
“Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Airman Lovan,” said Col. Jeremy Sheppard, commander of the 90th Security Forces Group. “We mourn the loss of a valued defender, teammate, and friend.”
Tragic Death Prompts Broader Safety Probe
The Air Force Global Strike Command responded to the incident by immediately suspending use of the M18 sidearm across its nuclear missile and bomber units pending further review. Investigators from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), the Air Force Global Strike Command Safety Office, and Air Force Security Forces are leading a joint probe into the circumstances surrounding the firearm discharge.
“At this time no determination has been made regarding the nature of the discharge,” officials stated in a release.
The firearm in question — the Sig Sauer M18 — is the military version of the civilian P320 pistol. The platform has faced years of lawsuits and criticism after multiple reports that the weapons may discharge without the trigger being pulled. Some law enforcement agencies and departments have already restricted its use.
A recent NBC report highlighted that the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission banned the handgun for police recruits. According to records obtained by NHPR, the military has logged at least nine such incidents involving the P320 series — including claims from service members alleging the gun fired while holstered.
Despite these concerns, Sig Sauer has firmly denied the weapon is faulty. In a March statement, the company said the P320 “CANNOT, under any circumstances, discharge without a trigger pull,” and described the growing litigation as “individuals seeking to profit or avoid personal responsibility.”
Sig Sauer has not issued any additional comments since Lovan’s death but posted a message of condolence on social media and offered to assist with the Air Force’s ongoing investigation.
Remembering Airman Brayden Lovan
Born on January 28, 2004, Brayden Lovan was remembered by his family, coaches, and community as a talented athlete, loyal friend, and selfless teammate.
He graduated from Muhlenberg County High School in 2022, where he competed in football, basketball, and track. His coaches described him as a standout leader and dependable presence both on and off the field.
“Brayden was a guy that was a leader of that team for sure,” said MCHS basketball coach Aaron Morris. “It didn’t matter what the team needed — it was always ‘yes sir,’ and the job would get done.”
John Lovell, who had coached Brayden since elementary school, described him as a lifelong family friend whose loss will be deeply felt. “People gravitated to him, he was a friend to everyone,” Lovell said. “It was just a tremendous, tremendous loss for our community because he was so loved.”
Brayden was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed four-wheeling, fishing, camping, hunting, and gaming. He was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, KY.
He is survived by his parents, Melinda Tucker and Allison Lovan; his siblings Mya, Alexis, A’Layah, Brooklyn, Joseph, Ayden, Malik, and Jakayden; and several grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 28, 2025, at Felix E. Martin Jr. Hall in Greenville, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Reynolds Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Bibbs Funeral Home.
Ongoing Scrutiny of M18 Handgun
While Lovan’s death remains under investigation, it has reignited debate over the M18 and its civilian counterpart. Though the Air Force has not officially connected the discharge to a defect, the decision to ground the weapon underscores the seriousness of the issue.
For now, units across Air Force Global Strike Command — which oversees America’s land-based nuclear missiles and strategic bombers — are barred from using the M18 pending the outcome of the investigation.
As lawmakers, safety experts, and military leaders continue to examine the safety of the platform, the Air Force is facing pressure to provide clarity and transparency on the issue.
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