• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

West Point cadet missing after extensive search, took assault rifle with him

0:26
WABC
West Point cadet missing, took assault rifle with him
Seth Wenig/AP, File
ByMark Osborne
October 21, 2019, 4:02 AM

A U.S. Military Academy cadet has gone missing and officials at the West Point campus believe he has taken a service weapon with him, according to officials.

The unnamed cadet, a member of the 2021 graduating class, has been missing since Friday evening. Officials said he was last seen at about 5:30 p.m. at West Point, and an "extensive" search has already been done by military, federal, state and local agencies.

Related Articles

(MORE: 3 US Army soldiers killed during training at Fort Stewart in Georgia, officials say)

West Point said an M4 rifle was also missing, and presumed in possession of the cadet, but they are "not believed to have any magazines or ammunition."

There is no indication the cadet poses a threat to the public, officials said, but they are worried he poses a threat to himself.

"I want to thank the local and state law enforcement agencies and emergency services for their tireless support," Lt. Gen. Darryl Williams, 60th superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy, said in a statement. "We will continue to search with all means possible, on and off West Point. Safely locating the Cadet remains our focus and number one priority."

This May 2, 2019 file photo shows a view of the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
Seth Wenig/AP, File

Authorities said the cadet was supposed to compete in a military skills competition over the weekend, but did not show up for the initial road march.

Military Police, New York State Police and the Orange County Sheriff's Department have been involved in the search. The Coast Guard also began searching the coast line for the missing cadet Sunday morning.

Related Articles

(MORE: Man missing after falling into sinkhole and getting swept away in drain pipes)

A state police helicopter, drones and K-9s have also been used in the search.

West Point is about an hour north of New York City on the banks of the Hudson River. About 4,000 cadets attend the military school.

ABC News' Luis Martinez contributed to this report.

Up Next in News—

Navy base employee critically injured in shark attack in Florida

June 10, 2026

Nick Reiner demands trust fund money to pay for his defense, court filing shows

June 9, 2026

Apple announces Siri AI and more at Tim Cook's last Worldwide Developers Conference

June 9, 2026

Man says he feels 'extremely lucky' after surviving grizzly bear encounter

June 8, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News