WASHINGTON — An active shooter was reported just south of the Beltway as Joint Base Andrews went into lockdown this morning.
“JBA is currently on lockdown due to a report of an active shooter. All personnel are directed to shelter in place. More info as it comes,” the base tweeted at about 9:20 a.m.
Seventeen minutes later: “The incident is ongoing at the Malcolm Grow Medical Facility. First responders are on-scene now. All personnel continue to shelter in place.”
On the base’s Facebook page, Andrews reported that the “base was scheduled to conduct an active shooter exercise, however, reports of a real-world active shooter situation were reported at Malcolm Grow medical facility.”
“Due to the serious nature of this report, the base is reacting to ensure the safety of all personnel. More information will be released as it becomes available.”
At about 10:30 a.m., the lockdown was lifted as it was confirmed that the 911 report of a shooting was a misunderstanding during the drill.
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson was testifying in a standard oversight hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee when he told the panel there was an “unfolding situation at Andrews Air Base” that might require he “take a break.”
Confusion was reported among Pentagon officials about whether there was actually an active shooter on the base. The medical center was evacuated, with those inside asked to leave with their hands in the air. Emergency vehicles responded to the scene, but without lights and sirens.
President Obama flew into Andrews last night returning from a summit in Canada. Obama frequently golfs at the base.
Vice President Biden was supposed to depart from the base this morning, but stayed at the Naval Observatory as the situation unfolded.
This story was updated at 10:30 a.m.
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