The Air Force on Thursday identified the Security Forces airman killed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming by a firearm discharge that led to America’s nuclear missile and bomber bases temporarily banning and investigating the use of the service-issued M18 handgun.
Airman Brayden Lovan, 21, was killed by the firearm discharge on Sunday at the base. Following his death, Air Force Global Strike Command issued an immediate order pausing the use of 9mm Sig Sauer M18 handguns as a result of the incident, and widespread investigations and inspections into the firearm followed.
“Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Airman Lovan,” Col. Jeremy Sheppard, commander of the 90th Security Forces Group, said in a news release “We mourn the loss of a valued defender, teammate and friend.”
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The incident and ongoing probe of the Sig Sauer M18 come amid recent controversies involving the firearm manufacturer’s P320 series — the civilian designation for the guns – including lawsuits after reports and allegations of unintended discharges among civilians and service members alike.
Lovan entered the service on Nov. 6, 2023, serving at F. E. Warren, and had been assigned to the 90th Security Forces Squadron since May 8, 2024, according to the news release.
The airman was from Greenville, Kentucky, according to an online obituary posted in the Muhlenberg County Leader-News newspaper. He was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville and also played football, basketball, track and field.
He was a graduate of the Muhlenberg County High School class of 2022, according to a Facebook post from the school’s athletic department.
“Brayden brought such great talent and skill to our athletic program at Muhlenberg County High School,” the school athletic department said on Facebook. “Though his time with us was far too brief, his impact on the field, court, and in the Air Force will never fade.”
Lovan’s death renewed scrutiny of Sig Sauer’s P320 handgun — as well as its military M17 and M18 variants — which has been plagued by lawsuits and scrutiny amid allegations that the firearms can unintentionally discharge.
“The incident involved a firearm discharge that is currently under investigation by Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), [and] the Air Force Global Strike Command Safety office, in collaboration with the Air Forces Security Forces,” F.E. Warren said in the news release, adding “at this time no determination has been made regarding the nature of the discharge.”
Scrutiny of the handguns’ safety from the military, law enforcement agencies and civilians has been growing in recent months and years.
Last month, Sig Sauer reportedly filed a lawsuit in court asking the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission to reverse its decision to ban police recruits from carrying the handgun due to concerns and accounts of unintended discharges, NBC-affiliate KING 5 reported.
Widespread claims of the weapon firing unintentionally have been reported by media outlets including New Hampshire Public Radio, which obtained reports of nine incidents within the military of the weapon reportedly firing without the trigger being pulled.
Amid growing media reports and lawsuits, Sig Sauer said in a March news release that “the P320 CANNOT, under any circumstances, discharge without a trigger pull,” adding that “the allegations against the P320 are nothing more than individuals seeking to profit or avoid personal responsibility.”
The gunmaker did not return a Military.com request for comment sent earlier this week following Lovan’s death.
But Sig Sauer, in a statement posted on the social media platform X on Wednesday evening, said “our hearts are with the service members and families impacted by the recent reported event at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base.” The company added that it had offered to help with the investigation.
“We proactively offered assistance to the U.S. military as they investigate the incident and remain willing to help in furtherance of their ongoing inquiry,” it posted on X.
Related: Air Force Command Pauses Use of M18 Handguns After Security Airman’s Death
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