U.S.

Hawaii Employee Who Sent Missile Warning Has Been Reassigned

A spokesperson for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency says the employee's new role "does not provide access to the warning system."

Hawaii Employee Who Sent Missile Warning Has Been Reassigned
Hawaii Emergency Management Agency
SMS

The Hawaii employee who accidentally triggered an alert for an incoming ballistic missile Saturday has been temporarily reassigned, pending an investigation into the incident. 

A spokesperson for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency did not say exactly what the employee is doing now, but noted the new role "does not provide access to the warning system."

As we previously reported, the false alarm was sent out to the people of Hawaii after the employee accidentally pushed the wrong button during an internal test. There's a safeguard meant to prevent this sort of thing from happening, but the employee clicked through it. 

Hawaii's Missile Alert Was False, But The Threat Isn't Inconceivable
Hawaii's Missile Alert Was False, But The Threat Isn't Inconceivable

Hawaii's Missile Alert Was False, But The Threat Isn't Inconceivable

Residents in Hawaii received a warning about an inbound ballistic missile Saturday. It turned out to be a false alarm.

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While Hawaii is making some changes to its system, the Federal Communications Commission is already investigating the mishap

In a statement, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai called the incident "absolutely unacceptable." He noted, "False alerts undermine public confidence in the alerting system and thus reduce their effectiveness during real emergencies."

On Sunday, President Donald Trump suggested federal officials would now get involved in Hawaii's alert system, but he commended state authorities for taking responsibility for the error.