In April 2007, an alarming incident unfolded at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. William Phillips, a former employee of the center, entered the facility armed with a handgun. He was armed on the premises and barricaded himself in a secure area. As a result, a significant law enforcement presence arrived, attempting to negotiate the situation. Phillips took a male hostage during the standoff that lasted nearly four hours. Originally, the aim of the authorities was to resolve the matter peacefully through negotiation. However, the situation escalated tragically when Phillips ultimately shot and killed his hostage before turning the weapon on himself.

Phillips' actions raised serious concerns regarding security measures at federally operated facilities, especially ones dealing with high-profile government projects like the space program. The motivations behind his violent actions were explored in the aftermath, revealing struggles he faced after his employment with NASA. This incident brought to light the potential risks linked to workplace violence and the necessity for better mental health support and security protocols in workplaces, particularly those related to national significance.