Photo by metrodcphotography.
Third update: A Park Police Public Information Officer tells DCist that the suspicious package was cleared and turned out to be a briefcase someone left behind.
The man found passed out in the museum was unrelated to the suspicious package and the Park Police PIO says he was transported to the hospital and is reportedly fine.
Original post:
The Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum was evacuated this afternoon because of a suspicious package found on the museum’s second floor, the Metropolitan Police Department says.
Our @airandspace has been evacuated due to a suspicious package. D.C. Police are on the scene. We will update w/ more info when available
— Smithsonian (@smithsonian) March 26, 2014
That’s all we know right now as details are scarce and police are on the scene investigating the package. We’ll provide updates as they become available.
Air & Space Museum evacuated for an alarm. Crowds asked to cross street and buses being moved. No word on situation or reopen time #dcguide
— beccagrawl (@beccagrawl) March 26, 2014
At the smithsonian air + space museum today. Didn’t see much; was a security issue and I heard the b word, left it. pic.twitter.com/J2JoLE24fv
— James Fitzwater (@JFitz1203) March 26, 2014
Update: The museum remains closed as MPD continues investigating the suspicious package. An MPD spokesperson says that the package is a briefcase found near an unconscious man in a gallery on the museum’s second floor.
Second update: The suspicious package has been cleared and the museum is open to visitors again.
The suspicious package at @airandspace has been investigated and cleared. The building is now open to visitors
— Smithsonian (@smithsonian) March 26, 2014
