Authored by Michael Clements via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours)
The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command has decided to temporarily halt the use of the M18 Modular Handgun System following the tragic death of an Air Force Security Airman at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming on July 20.
A press release from the 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs office at F.E. Warren did not disclose the specifics of the incident. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is handling the case, and details will not be shared at this time to maintain the integrity of the investigation, as stated in the press release.
The M18, along with its larger variant, the M17, are versions of the Sig Sauer P320 used by the military and law enforcement. The Sig Sauer designs were chosen by the Army for the Modular Handgun System back in 2017. Following the Army’s decision, all branches of the U.S. military adopted these pistols as their standard sidearms.
According to a statement from the Air Force Global Strike Command in Louisiana, the M18 has been withdrawn from service after the incident in Wyoming. While all current M18s are being inspected for any immediate safety issues, Air Force Security Forces within the Global Strike Command will be equipped with the M4 rifle.
A representative from Sig Sauer mentioned that the company has reached out to the Air Force and is prepared to assist in the investigation.
“Our thoughts are with the individuals and families affected by the recent incident at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base. We have offered our support to the U.S. Military as they look into the incident and are willing to aid in their ongoing investigation,” stated Phil Strader, the vice president for consumer affairs, in a message to The Epoch Times.
Spokesperson for the Global Strike Command, Charles “Moose” Hoffman, stated that it is premature to release details regarding the Wyoming incident.
“As a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of our personnel, the suspension will continue until the Air Force concludes thorough investigations,” Hoffman mentioned in an email to The Epoch Times.
For years, the pistol has faced allegations of potential unintended discharge if mishandled or bumped without the trigger being activated.
Since 2014, at least 80 individuals have been harmed, and multiple lawsuits have been filed. In one case in 2021, a claim by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent that his P320 discharged while holstered, causing injury, was dismissed by the U.S. District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania after rejecting his expert witnesses.
The plaintiff has appealed this ruling.
In 2020, Sig Sauer settled a case for nearly $900,000 in front of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Sig Sauer stated in court documents that the settlement did not imply negligence or wrongdoing on their part.
Strader affirmed that the company stands by its product but has taken customer feedback into account and provides a trigger upgrade for specific models.
“The P320 Voluntary Upgrade is accessible for P320s manufactured between 2014-2017. More details can be found here P320 Voluntary Upgrade Program | SIG SAUER,” Strader noted.
In August 2024, the FBI examined the pistol for the Michigan State Police after an officer reported being shot by his holstered P320 at the shooting range.
The FBI report did not definitively explain the incident but indicated that further investigation was warranted.
“While the examination did not conclusively demonstrate an uncommanded discharge from the weapon, it suggested the possibility,” the report from the FBI’s Ballistic Research Facility disclosed.
Strader mentioned that the company collaborated with the FBI and Michigan State Police to address the issue of unexpected firing. He stated that Sig Sauer assisted the FBI in developing a testing procedure to identify the problem and advised the police on rectifying the issue uncovered during testing.
“Following the recent FBI test, the Michigan State Police adopted a different light/holster combination and has fully implemented the SIG SAUER pistol,” Strader conveyed. “SIG SAUER trusts in the P320 platform, which has consistently demonstrated that it only fires when the trigger is pulled.”
The Air Force has chosen not to disclose the identity of the deceased airman, citing Air Force protocol to withhold identification until 24 hours after informing the next of kin.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a valued member of our Mighty Ninety team,” expressed Col. Terry Holmes, 90th Missile Wing commander, in a press release. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the Airman’s family, friends, and his fellow defenders during this incredibly difficult time.”
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