ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The fatal shooting of an Air Force Security Forces airman by members of his own squadron outside Kirtland Air Force Base in February remains under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), the FBI, and Albuquerque Police Department (APD).
Airman Basic Brion Teel-Scott, 28, was killed in the early hours of February 22 near the base’s Truman Gate — a post where he had worked during his time with the 377th Security Forces Squadron. Another airman sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the hand during the incident.
Events Leading Up to the Shooting
According to base officials, Teel-Scott drove to the Truman Gate in a vehicle with expired registration. Security forces personnel reported smelling cannabis, and during a vehicle search they said they found marijuana hidden under a spare tire. When told he was being detained, Teel-Scott fled on foot and in a vehicle pursuit that continued off base.
Once across Gibson Boulevard, Teel-Scott was reportedly cornered between a Taco Bell and an apartment complex.
A newly released evidence photo, obtained through a public records request, shows a bag, gun and knife near the scene where Airman Brion Teel-Scott was killed.
The concrete wall in the photograph appears to be the perimeter wall located in the alleyway behind the apartment building across from the Taco Bell, as shown on Google Maps.
Witness statements provided to APD differ on what happened next.
Conflicting Accounts
Some airmen told police Teel-Scott was armed and fired first, with one airman stating she saw muzzle flashes and believed he fired about 10 rounds. Others reported they never saw a weapon in his hand, though one said they heard a “click” similar to a misfired round.
According to APD reports, one sergeant stated he kicked a firearm away from Teel-Scott after the initial exchange of gunfire, but that additional shots were fired after Teel-Scott moved again. The Air Force has confirmed that Teel-Scott had a firearm in his possession but has not stated whether he discharged it.
An autopsy showed Teel-Scott was struck at least 16 times. Rounds fired during the incident also hit a nearby apartment building and damaged a gas line, prompting an evacuation of the complex.
Background
At the time of the shooting, Teel-Scott was awaiting discharge under “other than honorable” conditions following pending domestic violence charges and prior nonjudicial punishments for drug use. He was scheduled to leave the service and return to his home state of New Jersey two days later.
Base officials have said that all airmen involved in the shooting have been reassigned to administrative duties until the conclusion of the investigation. A Use of Force Review Board will also evaluate the incident separately from OSI’s investigation.
Family and Legal Representation
Teel-Scott’s family has retained attorney Joseph Marrone, who has publicly questioned the actions taken by the responding airmen and stated that civil action is being considered. Marrone claims video evidence shows Teel-Scott attempting to surrender; the Air Force has not confirmed or released any such footage.
Teel-Scott’s father, Shawn Scott, a Marine veteran, has also expressed frustration with the pace of the investigation and lack of details released by the Air Force.
Unanswered Questions
The Air Force has declined to say how many airmen fired their weapons or the total number of rounds discharged. Investigators have also not publicly confirmed whether Teel-Scott fired at the pursuing airmen.
Until OSI and the other investigative bodies release their findings, the circumstances of the shooting — and whether any policy or law violations occurred — remain unresolved.
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