BETHESDA, Md. — A report of an active shooter at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Thursday morning, July 31, 2025, triggered a swift campus-wide lockdown, but authorities later confirmed the incident involved an individual carrying a fake firearm.
The Montgomery County Police Department responded to the 8900 block of Rockville Pike at approximately 10:24 a.m. following reports of a possible active shooter. Officers quickly located and apprehended a suspect who was found to be in possession of a replica firearm. The individual was taken into custody without incident, and no injuries were reported.
Naval Support Activity Bethesda, which oversees security operations for the Walter Reed campus, initiated lockdown procedures as a precautionary measure. Security personnel reported incidents at two locations on the campus—Building 10 at 11:00 a.m. and Building 63 at 10:45 a.m. Access gates were temporarily closed to all non-emergency vehicle traffic during the police response, and personnel were directed to shelter in place.
Montgomery County Police confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the community, and the scene has been secured. The lockdown was lifted after authorities determined the firearm was not real. The identity of the suspect and the motive behind the incident have not been disclosed, as the investigation remains ongoing.
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the nation’s largest military hospital, serves as a critical care facility for military personnel and veterans. The swift response by law enforcement and base security ensured the safety of the campus’s staff, patients, and visitors during the incident.