Gatlinburg Police Department said a bomb threat was the reason for evacuating Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies on Saturday.
(GATLINBURG, Tenn.) SMOKIES.LIVE – Gatlinburg Police Department said they found no evidence of a bomb inside of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies after a bomb threat on Saturday afternoon.
That bomb threat led to the evacuation of the building and closure of surround streets.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM GATLINBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT AFTER REOPENING THE AQUARIUM AND STREETS
The Gatlinburg Police Department, in coordination with multiple regional agencies, has completed a thorough search of both the interior and exterior of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies following a bomb threat reported earlier this afternoon.
No credible threat or evidence of an explosive device was discovered. The investigation into the source of the threat remains ongoing. All roads around the aquarium have reopened
Officers from the Pigeon Forge Police Department, Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson City Police Department, Cocke County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene with K-9 units to survey the scene for explosive devices. The Tennessee Highway Patrol and Tennessee Homeland Security Office also responded.
The Gatlinburg Police Department remains committed to the safety of our community, citizens, and visitors, and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this investigation.
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Five agencies were a part of the response to the aquarium in Gatlinburg on Saturday after officials say a bomb threat was given on the facility.
Roadways around Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies remain closed.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM GATLINBURG PD
GATLINBURG, Tenn.—Authorities were alerted to a bomb threat called into Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies on Saturday afternoon prompting a coordinated response from local emergency services.
The Gatlinburg Police Department, Gatlinburg Fire Department, Pigeon Forge Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly to the area to investigate the report.
The Aquarium was evacuated immediately. River Road at the intersection of Parkway and Greystone Heights Road around the Aquarium have been temporarily closed.
Officers remain on-site conducting a thorough investigation.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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