Bethesda

Police Update: No Malicious Intent Found; No Charges for Man with Plastic Training Rifle After Active Shooter Report

An active shooter report at Walter Reed Medical Center in Bethesda this morning was quickly resolved after the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) determined the individual was carrying a plastic training rifle. The incident, which prompted a significant police response, was found to have no malicious intent, and the individual is not being charged.

Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) officers from the 2nd District were dispatched to the 8900 block of Rockville Pike at approximately 10:24 am after receiving a call about a possible active shooter. The address corresponds to the Walter Reed Medical Center campus. Upon arrival, officers took an adult male into custody who appeared to be armed. The scene was secured, and the weapon was quickly identified as a fake gun.

MCPD later provided an update on the situation, confirming that the individual was carrying a “plastic training rifle.” The department’s statement clarified that there was “no malicious intent” and that the man would not face charges. The incident was a false alarm, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.