DC Zoo temporarily closed due to a bomb threat

A bomb threat has prompted the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., to temporarily close as local law enforcement investigates.

The Smithsonian's National Zoo announced shortly after noon Tuesday that it would be temporarily closed due to the bomb threat, noting that it evacuated employees and visitors "out of an abundance of caution."

"The Zoo is temporarily closed due to a bomb threat. Reopening information will be posted when it becomes available. All other Smithsonian museums are open. Out of an abundance of caution, staff and visitors have been evacuated as the Metropolitan Police Department investigates," the zoo posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, at about 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Streets near the zoo have been shut down, according to police. The 2900-3100 block of Connecticut Avenue NW is closed until further notice due to police activity.