NBC10 update: Independence Visitors Center reopened

    NBC10 update, 3:30 p.m.:

    Authorities have reopened the Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia.

    The building, located at 1 North Independence Mall, was evacuated and closed shortly after noon. Police say a man was acting suspicious after parking his car in the garage underneath the visitor center.

    Police took the man into custody and searched his bags and car. He has since been released, according to investigators.

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

     

     

    Earlier reports from the Philadelphia Inquirer were that the Independence Visitor Center was closed due to the report of a bomb threat.

    According to the Inquirer, the Philadelphia Bomb Squad was on the scene, as were SWAT officers and bomb sniffing dogs. The area around the Visitors Center was blocked off with police tape as the investigation continued.

    They also report that a visitor dressed in camouflage was seen being escorted away from the premises.

     

     

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal