Bomb Threat Forces Evacuation at Kennedy Center Ahead of Shen Yun Performance

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was evacuated Thursday morning after authorities received a bomb threat related to performances of Shen Yun, a dance troupe known for its ties to the Falun Gong spiritual movement, which is banned in China.

According to a spokesperson for the Kennedy Center, the evacuation began around 10:45 a.m. after a threat was called in. Shen Yun is set to perform at the center from February 20 to March 2, with Thursday marking the opening night of the performances.

“The Kennedy Center has evacuated due to a bomb threat targeting Shen Yun performances,” the spokesperson stated. “Security acted swiftly, following existing protocols.”

Emergency responders, including D.C. Police and U.S. Park Police, arrived on the scene shortly after the threat was reported. Officer L. Lepe, a representative of the Metropolitan Police Department, confirmed that they were investigating the situation while the department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit was deployed to assist.

Staff members received alerts instructing them to evacuate to “the Reach,” an external building on the Kennedy Center campus. Canine units were also spotted conducting searches in the area.

The Metropolitan Police’s EOD Unit was on-site to evaluate the threat. Sgt. Thomas Twiname, a public information officer with U.S. Park Police, acknowledged their presence but did not release further details on the investigation.

Following the threat, the Kennedy Center’s emergency alert system warned attendees with bright orange messages displaying “EMERGENCY ALERT” and the instruction to “EVACUATE.”

This incident comes shortly after the Kennedy Center was embroiled in controversy, having recently caught national attention over changes in its board structure initiated by former President Donald Trump.

Officials have not disclosed the specifics of the threat as the investigation continues. People in the area were advised to stay away from the building as a safety precaution.