The Air Force has arrested an airman in connection with the July 20 death of Airman Brayden Lovan, a 21-year-old member of the 90th Security Forces Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. The arrest comes after weeks of investigation and a service-wide pause on the use of the Sig Sauer M18 handgun involved in the incident.
A Department of the Air Force spokesperson confirmed Friday that the individual — whose identity has not been released — is accused of making a false official statement, obstruction of justice, and involuntary manslaughter.
The shooting occurred in the early morning hours of July 20 while Lovan was on duty. According to the Air Force, the case remains under investigation by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Officials have not released specific details on how the M18 discharged or the circumstances leading up to the fatal shot.
“As with all individuals accused of a crime, the person arrested in this case is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” the spokesperson said.
Immediate Response and M18 Suspension
Following Lovan’s death, Air Force Global Strike Command pulled all M18 handguns from service “out of an abundance of caution” and ordered 100% inspections of the pistols. Security Forces Airmen across the command were temporarily issued M4 rifles to maintain security duties without interruption.
The M18 — along with its counterpart, the M17 — is a military variant of Sig Sauer’s P320 pistol, which has faced civilian lawsuits alleging accidental discharges without a trigger pull. Sig Sauer has repeatedly denied these claims, insisting that its pistols only fire when the trigger is pulled.
In a statement, Sig Sauer said it “proactively offered assistance” in the investigation and remains ready to support the Air Force’s inquiries.
About Airman Lovan
Airman Lovan entered active duty in November 2023 and reported to F.E. Warren AFB in May 2024 for his first assignment as a remote targeting engagement system operator.
Colonel Jeremy Sheppard, commander of the 90th Security Forces Group, described Lovan as a “valued defender, teammate, and friend,” highlighting the impact of his loss on the tight-knit unit.
Understanding the Charge
Involuntary manslaughter, the most serious of the charges, is defined as an unintentional killing caused by criminal negligence or reckless actions. Unlike voluntary manslaughter, it does not require intent to kill — but it does require proof that the accused created a dangerous situation through careless or unlawful behavior.
The Air Force has not yet announced when the M18 pistol might return to service, saying the suspension will remain in place until “comprehensive investigations” by OSI and the command’s Safety Office are complete.
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