This was published 7 years ago
Area 51 video: YouTube fake? Two bikers blocked by 'guards' from entering 'back gate' to UFO and alien research zone Area 51 in Nevada
By Hazel Plush
'Extraterrestrial Highway' in Nevada that runs near Area 51.Credit: Alamy
Two bikers claim they were ambushed by gun-wielding military guards when they stumbled upon a "back gate" to Area 51, the heavily classified US military base in Nevada.
Father and son Joe and Garrett McCullough claim they were riding a dirt track around the perimeter of the desert Edwards Air Force Base when they were stopped by two men in camouflage who told them: "Get the f*** outta here".
The "camo dudes", as the guards are described in a video, drew guns on the duo and frisked them aggressively while they held their hands up. "Put your f*cking hands up, I'm not going to tell you again," says one.
The intense secrecy concerning what went on at Area 51 has made it the frequent subject of conspiracy theories.Credit: Alamy
The incident was recorded on the helmet camera of one of the bikers, who then posted the clip on YouTube. It has been viewed over 1 million times and opens with the words: "In this video you are going to see a raw, unedited clip of us being held at gunpoint by 2 camo-dudes at a secret back gate. Enjoy."
The video shows the men riding past a sign which warns that "deadly force" is authorised to stop trespassers, and soon after the two "camo dudes" pull up in a white pick-up truck.
The men pull out guns and ask the McCulloughs what they're doing in the area, before saying: "We are going to give you guys a chance" and sending them on their way. "Get the f*ck out of here or we'll call Lincoln County and they'll write you each a $700 ticket," one of the men says.
The McCulloughs get back on their bikes, and one comments: "That was the most gnarly thing I've ever been in".
But many viewers have denounced the video as a fake, saying that the biking duo – who also happen to be travel bloggers – staged the stunt to boost their online profile. "Fakey McFakerson," commented YouTube user Charlie Red. "Those are not real soldiers, and the behaviour in the video reeks of a bunch of buddies making a video for fake YouTube points."
The McCulloughs, who blog under the name MacADVentures, maintain that the video is genuine, and warn in the caption that the US Government may soon remove it: "This is raw and shot in real time. Not fake or PHONY! We bring you the extreme footage shot by us. I don't know how long it will be up until the Gov't makes us take it down!"
On their website, the duo's "Mission Statement" reads: "We aim to provide entertaining content, thought provoking material, and useful information that will enhance your views on travel and ADVenture."
The pair also plug their social media accounts in the YouTube credits, give their contact for "business inquiries", and write that the video was "Shot exclusively with Sony Action Cameras".
Area 51 is located 83 miles north of Las Vegas in Nevada and is classified as a US military installation. For years, it was one of the US government's worst-kept secrets, until it was officially acknowledged by the CIA in 2013 and its location revealed.
The intense secrecy concerning what went on at Area 51 has made it the frequent subject of conspiracy theories - most famously that it is a centre for research on aliens and UFOs.
See also: The world's greatest fake tourist attractions
See also: 19 things that will shock first time visitors to Las Vegas
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