What started as a joke—“Storm Area 51”—turned into a real-world gathering in Nevada in 2019, with thousands showing up to storm the base.
Would you go looking for aliens in the desert? A joke that began on Facebook turned into a real-life raid of Area 51 by thousands of people who assembled before dawn in September 2019 to raid the secret military base in the desert. The idea was that they would find proof of alien life from another planet, but the Air Force would have rather people stayed home or at least didn’t attempt to raid this secret military installation.
It’s a joke, but some didn’t think so
Can you imagine storming any US military base? Military bases have large fences with razor-sharp wire on top. They are also guarded by trained security personnel at each gate. Additionally, anything that suggests a raid on a military base is known by the personnel on that base long before the event takes place. In this case, the Air Force was aware of the threat to Area 51 and urged people to stay home. It was supposed to be a joke and included suggestions that people “Naruto run” toward the fence line, which would be as close to a suicide mission as most people can get. This run is in reference to Naruto Uzumaki, a Japanese anime character who can move faster than bullets, but that would not be the case for anyone attempting to storm the facility.
As insane as it sounds to storm Area 51, there were enough people interested in participating in such an event that the US military had to take the threat seriously. This meant issuing a warning statement, which read:
“The Nevada Test and Training Range provides flexible, realistic, and multidimensional battlespace to test and develop tactics as well as conduct advanced training in support of U.S. national interests. Any attempt to illegally access the area is highly discouraged.”
Desert tourism on the rise
Connie West, co-owner of the Little A’Le’Inn, found herself with bookings like never before. People who want to go looking for aliens in the desert booked up all the rooms at her hotel, although there are only 10, but also booked spots on her property. She owns about 30 acres of land that she allows campers to use for $15 per night, and she had 60 people committed to pitching tents on the day of the Storm Area 51 event.
Despite other organized events taking place in the area, such as marathons and bike races, West said this event was like no other that she had ever experienced. Many people were taking the event seriously. She had her doubts about people getting into Area 51 by saying:
“I think they’re stupid if they think they’re going to get to the test site, but I’m gonna capitalize on it.”
This meant selling merchandise at the inn’s gift shop with all feature aliens.
The obsession of conspiracy theorists
Conspiracy theories can be fun to discuss and use for some crazy stories that might have a hint of truth to them. They become dangerous when people act upon unverified information. Conspiracy theorists have obsessed over Area 51 for decades, which isn’t much of a surprise. The activities that take place at this base have been kept secret for many years, causing many to think that aliens are being hidden and studied at this site.
Because of this conspiracy theory, it’s not too shocking that nearly one million people went to look for aliens in the desert at this military installation. Despite its secretive nature, some information has been released to help quell the conspiracies about aliens. The CIA released reports that spy planers were tested at this facility and that it’s a real place, not simply a fictional location from the movies.
It’s a joke, people, relax
The creator of the Facebook joke that became an event to go look for aliens in the desert at Area 51 thought it would be a funny idea for the meme page he created. It took off like wildfire but was never meant to be taken seriously. Much like satirical writings, this was supposed to be fun and funny, but too many people have taken it seriously despite the obvious references to fictional characters.
Would you consider looking for aliens in the desert? More people than should have fallen for this joke and ended up in the desert area surrounding Area 51, causing a serious military response to their presence.
Sarah Johnson