The Smithsonian National Museum of American History, in Washington, D.C., was evacuated on Thursday evening following a bomb threat that came in to the museum at 5:28 pm. The museum was in the process of closing to visitors. The Smithsonian Office of Protection Services responded and conducted a sweep to ensure that all staff were evacuated.
Museum leadership accounted for all staff, and no visitors were in jeopardy, according to a statement provided by a spokesperson.
“The museum appreciates the immediate response and assistance from area law enforcement,” said the statement.
🚨💣Report of Bomb Threat at Smithsonian
An investigation is underway after a reported threat to the D.C. museum. Surrounding streets are closed. Avoid the area. #StaySafe with #CitizenApp 👇https://t.co/jUg8wHh4iK— Citizen (@CitizenApp) April 18, 2024
The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Park Police are investigating the threat. Neither immediately responded to requests for further information.
The museum reopened to the public at 10 a.m. Friday.
Part of the Smithsonian group of museums, NMAH resides in an 800,000-square-foot building designed by McKim, Mead and White on the National Mall. It opened in 1964 as the National Museum of History and Technology and changed its name in 1980. The museum receives four million visitors a year and is a National Historic Landmark.
Just last month, the Louvre in Paris received a bomb threat via its online contact form that targeted “the Mona Lisa and many other masterpieces.” The museum was searched, but nothing was found.