This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda, was on lockdown from about 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. EST on Wednesday following a bomb threat and an active shooter threat at the base.
NSA Bethesda has lifted its shelter in place order for all locations on the base and reopened two base gates to outbound traffic.
NSA Bethesda tweeted, “1315, 20OCT21: UPDATE: The installation commanding officer has lifted the shelter in place for all locations effective immediately and has authorized the opening of Gates 1 and 3 for outbound traffic only.”
In an initial statement at around 9:05 a.m. EST on Wednesday morning, the Maryland Navy base announced “SHELTER IN PLACE: Bomb threat to BLDG 10 and active shooter threat being investigated. All Gates are closed to non-emergency traffic.”
In a 9:25 a.m. announcement, the base said, “At approximately 8:45 a.m., the installation received a phone call from an anonymous source stating there is a bomb at or near Building 10. Security personnel have responded to the scene. The base is on lockdown. All personnel should shelter in place. All gates are closed to non-emergency traffic. The public is asked to avoid the area.”
In a subsequent statement, the Navy base announced responding authorities have found no sign of an active shooter.
“1000, 20OCT21: UPDATE: At this time, there is no indication of an active shooter on the installation. A bomb threat is still under investigation. A lockdown remains in place,” the base tweeted. 000: 20OCT21: NOTE: The official ‘All Clear’ – when appropriate – will be reported by NSA Bethesda on our social media and other official channels.”
At 10:50 a.m. the base announced it had brought in K-9 teams to clear the buildings.
“1050, 20OCT21: K-9 teams are in the process of clearing buildings at Walter Reed Bethesda,” the base tweeted. “The lockdown at NSA Bethesda remains in place.”
NSA Bethesda is home to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, one of the most prominent U.S. military medical centers.
NSA Bethesda went into lockdown an active shooter threat at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in November of 2018, but the threat was later revealed to have been a drill.
