Air Force says the shutdown at Ramstein AFB was caused by a cook in the mall’s food court

dpa
(TNS)

Ramstein, Germany — German police sounded the all-clear early on Thursday following an incident involving a kitchen knife and a cook at the Ramstein Air Base operated by the United States Air Force.

No criminal offense had taken place at the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center (KMCC) Mall on the base, local police said.

The German police report said that US military police had detained the cook at the Popeyes fried chicken fast-food restaurant on Wednesday evening on suspicion of drawing a knife.

The man had apparently gone to buy a knife during his break, but his superior had not been in agreement with the use of a private knife.

A conflict had ensued and a staff member had informed the US authorities. But the information had been passed on incorrectly, blowing the incident out of proportion and resulting in a large law enforcement presence, the Kaiserslautern police said.

The cook was detained briefly and then released without further action being taken.

“Following a joint investigation conducted by 86th Airlift Wing Security Forces and German Polizei, the incident that occurred June 12, 2024 in the KMCC Mall on Ramstein Air Base was confirmed to be non-hostile in nature, with no criminal activities involved,” the 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs said in a release.

“The individual in question has since been released. The KMCC Mall remains secure and continues to operate during normal business hours, ensuring the safety and convenience of all visitors. “

The Ramstein Air Base is the largest operated by the USAF in Europe and serves as the air hub for US forces in Eastern Europe and Africa.

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