The Socorro UFO Incident: A Closer Look at Officer Zamora's

The Socorro UFO Incident: A Closer Look at Officer Zamora's Encounter

On April 24, 1964, Officer Lonnie Zamora reported a close encounter with an unidentified flying object in Socorro, New Mexico, detailing the object's appearance and the physical evidence left behind.

Published

June 16, 2026

Declassified

May 8, 2026

Source agency

U.S. Department of War

socorroufoincidentcloserlookofficerzamoraencounter

Opening summary

The Socorro UFO incident, which occurred on April 24, 1964, is a notable case within the study of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) due to its compelling eyewitness account and the physical evidence documented at the scene. Officer Lonnie Zamora of the Socorro Police Department reported witnessing a mysterious object while on duty. The incident began when Zamora, while pursuing a speeding vehicle, noticed a flame in the sky to the southwest.

This sighting led him to abandon the chase and investigate the source of the flame, suspecting it might be related to an explosion at a nearby dynamite shack. Upon reaching the location, Zamora observed a shiny, C-shaped object that he initially thought was an overturned car. The object was smooth and aluminum-like in appearance, and Zamora noted the presence of two figures in white coveralls near it.

These figures quickly disappeared from view as he approached. The object then…

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