What to know about the Malmstrom Air Force Base shooting

One person is dead and another is in custody following a shooting at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls last weekend. Giovanni Salvatore Molinaro, 25, has been charged with negligent homicide and awaits a bail hearing.

Here are three things to know about the incident.

#1: The suspect made the 911 call

Emergency dispatchers received a 911 call on Nov. 1 from Molinaro, according to court documents filed in his case. He allegedly told the dispatcher that he was “playing with the gun,” a Glock 9mm, and thought it was unloaded but accidentally shot someone. He indicated that they were both enlisted Air Force service members, according to court documents.

When an Air Force Security Forces team arrived at the dorm on base, they found Molinaro hunched over, on his knees. The gun was on the bed with the slide back and the magazine out, according to court documents. A spent bullet casing was on the floor.

When the responding security officers asked if he was shot, Molinaro allegedly responded, “No, I’m not. I shot him.” The victim, identified by the Air Force as Airman 1st Class Aldo Ortiz Perez, was pronounced dead at the scene. Ortiz Perez was a member of the 341st Security Forces Squadron. Security Forces provide law enforcement services for the base, while related units work in the field guarding missile sites.

Molinaro made an initial appearance in Cascade County District Court Nov. 2. He remains in the Cascade County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond. His arraignment is set for Dec. 2.

#2: Missile wing commander offered condolences

“The loss of Airman 1st Class Aldo Ortiz Perez is felt throughout the Malmstrom community,” Col. David Wyrick, 341st Missile Wing commander, said in a press release. “We will honor his service by supporting his loved ones and fellow Airmen during this difficult time. I know many across our wing are processing this loss in their own way, and I encourage everyone to look out for one another, take care of their teammates and seek support when needed.”

The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is working the ongoing case alongside the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, the press release said.

#3: Defense secretary eased gun policies in spring

It’s unclear whether the gun in this case was privately owned or related to military service. The Air Force also hasn’t commented on whether the pistol was authorized to be carried on base.

Malmstrom policies prohibit the storage of personal firearms in dormitories. Airmen must register their firearms and store them in a designated armory. Airmen aren’t allowed to carry personal firearms on base, except for specially credentialed personnel.

The military outlet Stars and Stripes reported that the Glock pistol is not the Air Force’s standard-issue Sig Sauer M18 pistol.

Stars and Stripes also reported that an April memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth eased those restrictions, allowing service members to request permission to carry firearms for personal safety. It’s not known whether Molinaro made such a request.

In a motion for a bail hearing, Molinaro’s attorneys wrote that he can’t afford bail and “believes consideration of additional facts at a hearing would justify reduction of the bail amount.” According to the Defense Casualty Analysis System, 17 active-duty military members have died of homicide in 2026 and 183 have died in accidents.