BETHESDA, Md. — There were reports of an active shooter situation at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. But it turned out to be a drill.
WUSA is reporting that a Pentagon spokesperson said that it was an exercise on the campus.
BREAKING: Pentagon confirms #WalterReed does NOT have active shooter. It was an exercise. @wusa9
— Andrea McCarren (@AndreaMcCarren) November 27, 2018
Navy officials said it was an "ad hoc drill by tenant command."
CONFIRMED: No active shooter at Naval Support Activity Bethesda. Was ad hoc drill by tenant command. https://t.co/P9N65mMdOA
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) November 27, 2018
The base was given the all-clear by 3:20 p.m. EST.
ALERT - ALERT - ALERT 1539, UPDATE: All gates are open to normal traffic with the except of gate 4. 1520, UPDATE: The...
Posted by Naval Support Activity Bethesda on Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Despite the assurance by military officials that it was a drill, a congressman who was on the base was sheltering in place and may not have known that. Maryland Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger was in a conference room with about 40 others taking shelter.
I am currently at Walter Reed Medical in Bethesda where we've been told there is an active shooter. I am currently safe in a conference room w/ approx 40 others.
— Dutch Ruppersberger (@Call_Me_Dutch) November 27, 2018
Shortly before the drill was confirmed by multiple media outlets, his representatives tweeted that he didn't believe it was a drill.
Rep. Ruppersberger remains sheltered in a back room at Walter Reed. Described mood as calm. Has not been given any additional details but does not believe this to be a drill.
— Dutch Ruppersberger (@Call_Me_Dutch) November 27, 2018
Others posted video of the law enforcement response during the event.
Inside Walter Reed right now after the active shooter announcement. Was looking on Twitter for news and it's filled with people questioning the safety of their loved ones. Building 19 in lockdown. Haven't heard any shots. Multiple agencies responding. Hopefully false alarm. pic.twitter.com/xNDKyEuN56
— Lindsey Migliore, DO (@DrMigliore) November 27, 2018
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