The SpaceX Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, faced a serious security concern on Friday after multiple bomb threats were reported. According to local media, the threats targeted the Starship rocket housed at the site, prompting an active investigation by the FBI’s San Antonio office.
The threats involved multiple phone calls, with the callers reportedly warning of plans to destroy the Starship rocket at the SpaceX site. The FBI confirmed its involvement in investigating the “possible bomb threats,” though no official statement has been released regarding the credibility of these claims. The agency emphasized that public safety remains its highest priority as they continue to scrutinize the information received.
Witnesses near the Boca Chica Starbase shared accounts of overhearing discussions about the threats, which were reportedly received on December 24, 2024. This has raised concerns in the local community, leading to increased vigilance and a call for the public to report any suspicious activity.
“While we are working to carefully vet and investigate the information we have received, we want to reiterate that the safety and security of the American people is the FBI’s highest concern,” an official statement read.
This is not the first time the Starbase has faced such threats. In December 2023, the facility received a bomb threat via a nonemergency line of the Brownsville Police Department. That incident was ultimately deemed non-credible after thorough investigation.
The Boca Chica Starbase holds significant prominence, not just for its role in SpaceX’s ambitious space exploration missions, but also for its political associations. The facility garnered national attention when President-elect Donald Trump attended a rocket launch there shortly after his victory in the November 2024 elections. Elon Musk’s perceived alignment with the incoming Trump administration has further spotlighted the site, potentially making it a target for threats.
As investigations continue, local authorities and federal agencies are collaborating to ensure the safety of the facility and its personnel. SpaceX has yet to release an official comment on the incident. Residents and employees in the area have been urged to remain alert and report any unusual behavior to the authorities.
The heightened scrutiny around the Starbase underscores the critical need for stringent security measures at facilities of national and global significance, especially those tied to cutting-edge technological advancements and political attention.