PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Norfolk Naval Shipyard was placed under a security lockdown as law enforcement and shipyard security personnel responded to a reported threat inside the Portsmouth naval installation.
According to information released by the shipyard, a bomb threat was reported at approximately 1:30 p.m. Tuesday inside Building 510. Shipyard law enforcement was notified immediately, and a suspect was detained in connection with the reported threat.
Employees working inside Building 510 were evacuated as authorities responded to the situation. Other personnel in the shipyard’s industrial area were instructed to shelter in place while officials investigated the reported threat and worked to secure the affected areas.
The security response resulted in restricted access around portions of the installation as officials worked to assess the situation. The Norfolk Naval Shipyard is a major naval maintenance facility in Portsmouth, and security measures at the installation can affect personnel, contractors and traffic around the surrounding area.
Officials have not publicly released additional details about the suspect or provided further information about the nature of the reported threat beyond the initial notification. Authorities also have not indicated in the available information that anyone was injured in connection with the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement and shipyard officials work to determine the circumstances surrounding the reported bomb threat. Personnel were instructed to follow directions from authorized officials and remain clear of restricted areas while the response continued.
Residents, employees and commuters near Norfolk Naval Shipyard should rely on official shipyard and local law enforcement communications for further instructions and updates. Any changes to the security status, access restrictions or shelter-in-place directives are expected to be communicated by authorities as additional information becomes available.
