U.S. Military Spent $11 Million to Squash ‘Extraterrestrial’ Raid that Never Happened, Colonel Defends Decision

The United States military found themselves in a peculiar situation after a viral joke on Facebook spiralled into a serious event. The Trainwreck documentary series on Netflix delves into the aftermath of the 2019 internet meme where 21-year-old Matty Roberts created a Facebook event, ‘Storm Area 51, They Can’t Stop All of Us,’ to raid the classified U.S. Air Force Base, Area 51. Inspired by an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Roberts referred to the event as the “ultimate shitpost.” What initially started as a humorous online meme quickly gained traction, attracting the attention of over two million individuals.

The military, upon learning about the viral event, took precautions and ended up spending approximately $11 million in preparation for the anticipated raid. Despite the exaggerated response, Col. Cavan Craddock defended the military’s decision, stating, “I will defend to the final day that we did not overspend in our preparation for it.” The documentary showcases various perspectives, from Roberts to locals in Rachel, Nevada, where the base is located, as well as military personnel.

On the day of the event, September 20, 2019, while a large crowd gathered in Rachel for an alien-themed festival, only around 150 individuals attempted to storm the base, all without any success in breaching the facility. The military had been on high alert, anticipating the worst-case scenario of a mass casualty event. However, the situation was relatively calm as the crowd dispersed without any major incidents.

Col. Craddock reflects on the chaotic energy during the event, acknowledging the uncertainty and the extensive preparations that took place leading up to the event. The military’s approach was to treat all attendees as hostile until proven otherwise, underscoring the potential risks involved in such gatherings. Despite warnings and efforts to dissuade individuals from attempting to breach the base, the event ultimately passed without significant consequences.

The Trainwreck series provides an in-depth look at the events surrounding the Storm Area 51 phenomenon, shedding light on the motivations, reactions, and consequences of the viral meme. Through interviews with various individuals involved, including event organisers, locals, and military personnel, the documentary offers a comprehensive exploration of the situation. The military’s response, though deemed excessive by some, was driven by the need to ensure the safety and security of the base and its personnel.

As the Storm Area 51 event became a moment in internet history, the aftermath prompted reflections on the impact of online memes and the real-world implications they can have. The collaborative efforts between event organisers, the military, and local authorities showcase the complexities of managing unconventional situations that originate from social media trends. The Trainwreck: Storm Area 51 documentary acts as a reminder of the power of online communities and the need for careful consideration in navigating virtual jokes that could translate into real-world events.