autoevolution
 

Storm Area 51 Date Approaches, Arrests Begin

Earlier this year, a Facebook event started snowballing online until it grew so big federal authorities felt compelled to respond. The event is referred to by the media as Storm Area 51, and its official start date is September 20.
Storm Area 51 event cancelled, people still go 1 photo
Photo: Storm Area 51 via Facebook
Following several months of media frenzy, tons of memes, hashtags, and discussions on the topic, the event seems to be all but canceled. It’s unclear yet if any of the 2.1 million people who said they would be attending will actually go through with their plans, but U.S. authorities do seem to be on edge.

According to Air Force Times, two Dutchmen were arrested last week after they trespassed into the area with plans to record the activity at the secretive base. They were allegedly carrying camera equipment, a computer and a drone.

It’s unclear whether the two men had any connection with the Storm Area 51 movement.

Separately, even if the event is no longer officially taking place, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) decided to issue temporary flight restrictions for two regions in the vicinity of the base. These restrictions pertain to police and emergency helicopters as well, The Drive says.

This comes after in July the Air Force warned against any storming of its base.

"[Area 51] is an open training range for the U.S. Air Force, and we would discourage anyone from trying to come into the area where we train American armed forces. The U.S. Air Force always stands ready to protect America and its assets."

Farther away, in Las Vegas, mostly online booking agencies have begun setting odds on how many people will be arrested, Forbes reports.

The original Facebook event was created by Facebook users Sh*tposting cause im in shambles, SmyleeKun and The Hidden Sound. The most notable name that (sort of) joined the movement was actor Danny Trejo.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Daniel Patrascu
Daniel Patrascu profile photo

Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories