Statue of Liberty to Resume Normal Operations

Date: April 24, 2015

Update: Statue of Liberty to Resume Normal Operations

NEW YORK — A false bomb threat forced the evacuation of Liberty Island today. A thorough investigation determined that there was no explosive device on the island.

Visitors who had been required to evacuate without gathering their belongings from storage lockers were allowed to return to the island once it was cleared to retrieve their possessions. The island will reopen to the public tomorrow.

Statue Cruises, the ferry service provider for the National Park Service at Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island, issued refunds to affected visitors.

Shortly after 11 a.m. today, the National Park Service Statue of Liberty Dispatch was advised that a 911 caller made a bomb threat, stating they were going to blow up the Statue of Liberty.

The Statue was immediately evacuated. United States Park Police (USPP) personnel including two canine units swept the Statue. The canine units alerted on an area of interest near the lockers at the base of the Statue.

At this point, NPS and USPP determined it was best to evacuate the entire island. The island was cleared of all visitors and personnel, totaling approximately 2,715 people.

The New York City Police Department Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) unit joined the USPP on the island. Following their investigation, it was determined that there was not an explosive device and the scene declared clear at 3:15 p.m. USPP in concert with the NYC Police Department is investigating the false threat. The USPP is also working to determine what caused the canine units to alert.

Visitors who opted to leave without retrieving their belongings today may contact the USPP at 646-356-2205 and ask for the supervisor.

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Liberty Island Closed April 24, 2015

Shortly after 11 AM today, the National Park Service Statue of Liberty Dispatch was advised that a 911 caller made a bomb threat, stating they were going to blow up the Statue of Liberty.

The Statue was immediately evacuated and all personnel and visitors are safe. 

United States Park Police personnel including two canine units swept the Statue. The canine units alerted on an area of interest near the lockers at the base of the Statue. 

At this point, NPS and USPP determined it was in best to evacuate the island. The island has been cleared of all visitors and personnel. 

New York City Police Department Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) unit has joined the USPP on the island. 

We will provide further updates as appropriate. 

Those holding ferry tickets for Statue Cruises today may call (877-523-9849) to inquire about re-booking.