The Facebook event page “Storm Area 51, They Can’t Stop All of Us” has, within the last five days since its creation, has gained over 2 million people publicly claiming that they will be partaking in a raid of Area 51 on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019 at 3 a.m. – 6 a.m.PDT, with another million marking themselves as interested in the event.
The personal goals of these 2 million vary, but the page states the event’s goal: “We will all meet up at the Area 51 Alien Center tourist attraction and coordinate our entry. If we *naruto run, we can move faster than their bullets. Lets see them aliens.”
The event has three official hosts. “Sh*tposting cause im in shambles” a page ironically listed as a religious organization; “SmyleeKun,” a gaming video creator and “The Hidden Sound,” an event planner from Little Rock, Arkansas. I reached out to all three for comment, none have responded.
One might assume that this is a joke, that no one would do this. Well, the military isn’t taking that chance, an Air Force spokesperson told NPR in a July 15, 2019 statement, “Any attempt to illegally access the area is highly discouraged.”
Why wouldn’t they take it as a joke? It is, in my honest opinion, that people will show up, not the whole 2 million, but a sizeable amount. They will show up to be there and witness history, to witness how far we’re willing to go, but most importantly, for the clout.
The easiest way to define clout is fame and power concerning social media. Simply being at Area 51 and posting photos of yourself there could launch you and help you gain 1,000 of followers. This is why our generation won’t stay away. This is why we’ll be out there.
An EMD music festival called “Alienstock” has been scheduled in the little town of Rachel, NV as a safe way for the Area 51 Raiders to enjoy the weekend. It is free to the public but camping and parking will run you $80 – $130. No glass, fire or weapons may be brought onto the festival grounds. Food vendors, water and porta potties are present.
Official merch is being sold at https://www.stormarea51.us.
* “Naruto Run refers to the unique running style of the protagonist Naruto Uzumaki in the Japanese anime series Naruto, where he is often depicted sprinting with his arms stretched behind him.” Definition via https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/naruto-run
LeAnne McPherson
Reporter