Shelter-In-Place At Soldier Systems Center Natick Lifted

NATICK, MA — The U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center Natick shelter-in-place order issued Tuesday morning was lifted early Tuesday afternoon.

"The shelter-in-place for the installation has been lifted," the Department of Defense installation said in a post on its Facebook page.

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"Personnel may resume normal operations on base," the post said. "At this time, all personnel are required to remain on the installation and away from the gate until further notice. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates and instructions as they become available."

MassLive reported the shelter-in-place order was issued "following an incident with an on-duty security guard that required a SWAT team response."

"Natick Police Chief James Hicks said the situation is 'resolved' as of 1 p.m., but the shelter-in-place remained in effect at the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center, a military research facility," the MassLive story said.

About 10:30 a.m., Soldier Systems Center Natick alerted the public to the shelter-in-place.

"THIS IS NOT A DRILL!" the installation posted to Facebook.

"A shelter-in-place order is now in effect for our installation, effective immediately," the post said.

In a comment on the post, Soldier Systems Center added, "All employees currently working on Natick Soldier Systems Center should shelter in place until told otherwise. More information will be provided as it is available through official channels and via social media."

The shelter-in-place prompted school officials to place nearby Wilson Middle School and Bennett-Hemenway Elementary School in secure holds, WCVB reported.

"The Natick Police Department alerted the school district to a safety concern in the vicinity of the schools," Natick Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Melissa Spash said in a statement to WCVB. "This concern is not related to either school building, but rather to a nearby, non-school facility."

"Police cruisers and a tactical team were seen at the installation, on Lake Cochituate," according to NBC.

The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center is "responsible for the technology, research, development, engineering, fielding, and sustainment of our military's food, clothing, shelters, airdrop systems, and Soldier support items," according to its website.

"NSSC also has the lead for Soldier integration for the U.S. Army," the site said. "It remains the only Active Army installation east of the Hudson River."