What was thought to be an active shooter at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center was actually a false alarm, according to the Naval Support Activity in Bethesda.
The United States Navy released the following statement on what transpired:
The active shooter event aboard Naval Support Activity Bethesda today was the result of the improper use of mass notification system by a tenant command aboard the installation. While preparing for an upcoming drill, the notification system was inadvertently enacted without containing the words "EXERCISE" or "DRILL". Individuals who saw the mass notification statement immediately notified NSA Bethesda security, where they responded accordingly and instituted an installation-wide active shooter response. On further investigation, they determined that the improper use of the system was the root cause and secured from the active shooter response.
Montgomery County Police said they were responding after Walter Reed security personnel initially reached out to them about a possible active shooter on the grounds.
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
Officials tweeted out that they were searching the premises before they knew it was a drill.
1455, UPDATE: Base security has cleared the basement of Bldg. 19, they are in the process of clearing the rest of the building. No indication so far of an active shooter.
— NSABethesda (@nsabethesda) November 27, 2018
Maryland Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger originally sent out a tweet announcing there was an active shooter on the grounds, concerning many on social media.
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
Ruppersberger followed up with another tweet saying he does not believe this 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
