Arlington National Cemetery closes after bomb threat

Arlington National Cemetery was closed to the public because of a bomb threat. Photo / Twitter, NBC

The Arlington National Cemetery was closed for more than five hours today following a bomb threat and evacuation.

Barbara Lewandrowski, a spokeswoman for the cemetery, said the facilities and grounds were evacuated about 9.30 am local time. Normal services resumed about 3pm after authorities searched the cemetery and gave the all-clear.

Lewandrowski said there were no reports of injuries.

The threat was made to the cemetery and not to one specific area of the 252ha site.

Lewandrowski said earlier in the day that officials were checking "every single part of the grounds and facilities." The threat remains under investigation.

Cemetery officials initially said on Twitter that the cemetery grounds would be closed to the public for the rest of the day. Funerals were still held as scheduled.