The Truth About Storm Area 51: The Viral Facebook Event That Cost the Military $11 Million

The Origins of Storm Area 51

Storm Area 51 was a Facebook event that started as a joke but quickly spiraled into a national phenomenon. In June 2019, Matty Roberts, a 20-year-old from Bakersville, California, created the event titled “Storm Area 51, They Can’t Stop All of Us.” Initially, he thought it would be a humorous post for his small group of followers. However, what began as a simple prank turned into a massive online sensation that captured the attention of millions.

Roberts stumbled upon the idea while watching an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, which discussed Area 51. Inspired by the topic, he decided to create a viral event that would bring people together in a lighthearted way. What he didn't anticipate was the sheer scale of the response.

The Viral Phenomenon

The event gained traction rapidly. Within days, over one million people expressed interest in attending, and more than two million marked themselves as going. This unprecedented level of engagement caught the attention of not only alien enthusiasts and internet users but also celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Lizzo, as well as late-night shows.

The event was scheduled for September 20, 2019, at 3 a.m., and many were eager to see if the plan would come to fruition. However, the U.S. government took notice and became involved in the situation.

Government Response and Security Measures

Before the event, the FBI visited Roberts’ home, questioning him about his intentions. He recalled feeling anxious during the meeting, fearing he might be taken into custody. The agents were investigating whether he posed a threat, asking about his social life and religious beliefs.

Despite Roberts clarifying that he had no intention of storming the base, the FBI warned him that if anyone actually went to Area 51, it would be his responsibility. This led Roberts to consider rebranding the event to distance himself from any potential consequences.

The U.S. military also responded to the growing attention. Air Force spokeswoman Laura McAndrews stated that the Nevada Test and Training Range is a critical area for testing combat aircraft. Any unauthorized access to the site is considered dangerous.

Colonel Cavan Craddock, who appeared in the Netflix documentary, emphasized the high level of security at the facility. He noted that the guards are trained to protect the constitution and are authorized to use force if necessary.

The Aftermath and Financial Impact

Although the event was intended as a joke, it had real-world consequences. The U.S. military allocated significant resources to prepare for the potential mass gathering, resulting in an estimated $11 million in costs. Colonel Craddock defended this decision, stating that the worst-case scenario could have led to a mass casualty event.

Despite the financial implications, the event ultimately did not result in any actual attempts to breach the base. On the night of the event, around 100 individuals gathered near the entrance but did not attempt to enter the restricted area.

Alienstock and the Las Vegas Celebration

In an effort to manage the growing interest, Roberts organized a legitimate event called "Alienstock" in Rachel, Nevada. However, due to disputes over security, sanitation, medical personnel, and insurance permits, he decided to move the event to Las Vegas. The Area 51 Celebration in downtown Las Vegas attracted approximately 10,000 attendees.

Meanwhile, a smaller group of fans attended the original Alienstock event in Rachel, though the name changed due to legal issues with Roberts.

What Happened to Matty Roberts?

After the events of 2019, Roberts returned to his job at a vape kiosk in Bakersville. He earned $1,700 from selling Storm Area 51 T-shirts at the Las Vegas event. Reflecting on the experience, he described it as the most surreal and exciting moment of his life, followed by a return to his routine job.

The story of Storm Area 51 remains a unique example of how a simple idea can escalate into a major cultural event, capturing the imagination of millions and highlighting the power of the internet.