Fort Hood Lockdown and Shooting – Security Measures Updated at Texas Military Base

Fort Hood, now officially known as Fort Cavazos, has remained closely associated with some of the most serious shooting incidents in U.S. military history. Security and emergency-response procedures at the Texas Army installation have evolved significantly in the years following the deadly shootings that occurred in 2009 and 2014.

The November 5, 2009, shooting remains one of the most devastating incidents at the installation. Major Nidal Hasan opened fire at the Soldier Readiness Processing Center, killing 13 people and injuring more than 30 others. The attack prompted extensive reviews of security and emergency-response procedures across the military.

Another deadly shooting occurred on April 2, 2014, when four people, including the gunman, died and 16 others were injured. The incident again raised concerns about emergency communications, access control and the coordination of military and civilian first responders.

In the years since those shootings, military installations have continued strengthening active-shooter preparedness and emergency response. At Fort Cavazos, military police and local law enforcement agencies have worked to improve coordination during major emergencies, while emergency exercises have focused on rapid communication and response.

Security measures at military installations also include controlled access points, identification requirements, vehicle screening and other force-protection procedures. Emergency notification systems and active-shooter training are designed to help personnel receive warnings and respond quickly when a threat develops.

The history of shootings at the installation has also shaped the way the military approaches emergency preparedness nationwide. Active-shooter exercises, coordinated law-enforcement responses and behavioral-health resources have become important parts of broader efforts to protect service members, civilian employees and military families.

The Fort Hood name was officially changed to Fort Cavazos in 2023 in honor of General Richard E. Cavazos, a Texas-born Army general and highly decorated veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars.

While the installation continues to evolve its security practices, the memory of those killed and injured in the 2009 and 2014 shootings remains an important part of the Fort Cavazos community’s history. The tragedies continue to underscore the importance of preparedness, rapid response and ongoing efforts to protect those who live and work on the base.