Pasadena residents frustrated after police provide details on late-night military exercise

Thursday, June 18, 2026 11:44AM PT
PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Pasadena police provided more information about a late-night military training exercise that startled residents earlier this month, but people who live in the area aren't satisfied with the explanation.

The department said it was told that operations would take place but they weren't given a date until the day of. Even with that date, they said they weren't informed about the midnight hour until well into the operation.

Nighttime military exercises startle Pasadena residents


Despite the new information, Pasadena residents who are still frustrated by what happened spoke out at a City Council meeting Wednesday night.

"Now that I've heard your explanation, it's totally inadequate. Totally inadequate," one resident said. "What questions were asked?"



The city notified residents a few hours before the exercises were set to begin.

Many residents reported being awakened or having trouble going back to sleep after hearing the activity, which included what officials described as simulated gunfire using fake ammunition. Some residents said the scene felt alarming, with one describing it as an invasion.

Similar activity was reported in Irvine the same night.



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