A bomb threat shut down Arlington National Cemetery at noon Wednesday. Visitors and staff were evacuated, officials said. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI
Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Arlington National Cemetery closed Wednesday due to a bomb threat, authorities said.
The cemetery posted a statement online and on its website, saying it closed at noon.
"Arlington National Cemetery officials and [Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall] emergency services are currently responding to a bomb threat to the cemetery," the statement said.
All families, visitors and employees were evacuated safely.
Funerals were held as scheduled, the cemetery said.
Arlington County Police dispatched a bomb-sniffing dog to assist cemetery staff and military authorities.