The event, created as a sardonic shitpost by Matty Roberts on June 27, 2019, asked Facebook users to band together and raid the site in a search for extraterrestrial life that conspiracy-theory lore claims may be concealed inside.

Roberts later stated his intentions for the event had been purely comedic, and disavowed responsibility for any casualties had there been any actual attempt to raid the military base.

Air Force spokeswoman Grace Manock stated government officials were briefed on the event and discouraged people from attempting to enter military property.

[19] Rapper Lil Nas X released a music video for the Young Thug and Mason Ramsey remix of "Old Town Road" about the planned raid.

[20] Copycat events such as plans to storm a genealogical vault of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,[21] Loch Ness,[22] the Bermuda Triangle,[23] the US Capitol Building and the Vatican City's archives[24] were also created.

[14][16] A public information officer at Nellis Air Force Base told KNPR that "any attempt to illegally access the area is highly discouraged".

[7] The events also prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to post two temporary flight restrictions, closing the airspace above two places nearby Area 51 during the days surrounding the planned raid.

[7] The county had just 184 hotel rooms, and officials expected the local cellphone network to be unable to cope with the additional traffic; they also expressed concerns about overcrowding at campsites, gas stations, and public medical facilities.

[7] The town of Rachel posted a caution on its website, advising attendees to be "experienced in camping, hiking and surviving in a harsh desert environment and have a vehicle in good shape".

[29] They advised that the town would likely be unable to provide sufficient food, water or gas to visitors, and expected local law enforcement to be overwhelmed.

[36] Beginning on September 19, the day before the planned event date, people were reported to be showing up and camping around Rachel in preparation for the raid.

[38] One person attempted to enter the facility and received a warning, while six others were arrested for crimes including public urination, alcohol-related offenses and indecent exposure.

[45] Although much less than the estimated 30,000 attendees expected before Roberts's departure—and a press campaign claiming Alienstock was canceled—the event was thought to have brought the largest influx of people ever to visit Lincoln County at the same time.