Naval Support Activity Bethesda, home to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, was locked down for hours Wednesday after a bomb threat, officials say.
The installation received an anonymous call at about 8:45 a.m. “stating there is a bomb at or near Building 10," Naval Support Activity Bethesda officials said.
An active shooter threat also was initially made. There was no indication of a shooter, officials said.
No information was immediately released on whether anything was found or who placed the call. An investigation is ongoing.
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Officials said in an update at 1:15 p.m. that the shelter in place was lifted for all locations. Gate 1 and Gate 3 were reopened to outbound traffic.
K-9 teams were clearing buildings one by one as of noon, more than three hours after the phone call.
“All personnel and beneficiaries are directed to stay clear of Walter Reed Bethesda,” Walter Reed officials said in initial messages.
“Go indoors into the nearest building and shelter in place. All commands initiate building emergency plans to shelter in place,” they said.
All patients' appointments were canceled.
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All gates were closed to non-emergency traffic, officials said. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area.
Drivers were told to expect delays in the area, Montgomery County’s emergency management office said.
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“Severe backups possible on Rockville Pike (MD 355) at Cedar Lane, MD 355 at Jones Bridge Road, & Connecticut Ave (MD 185) near I-495. Seek alternate routes,” they said.
Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.
