News Flash Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center closed due to emergency

[PCIntern]

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=9073727

INDEPENDENCE MALL - April 21, 2013 (WPVI) -- Authorities have closed the Independence Visitor Center at Independence Mall due to an emergency situation.


The building was evacuated shortly after 12:00 p.m. Sunday.

The center located at 6th and Market streets in Philadelphia.



It appears this may be in connection with an earlier incident involving a man wearing camouflage.

MORE AT THE LINK

On edit: Just came thru on the 6 ABC app...remarkable...don't hear any sirens, I'm about 10 blocks away.

[MineralMan]

1. Odds are it will turn out to be nothing.

Vigilance is high right now.

[PCIntern]

3. OK...nt

[roamer65]

13. Sounds like u are right.

Read on NBC Philly that the man was questioned, car and person were searched and he was released. Just heightened awareness right now, which is to be expected.

[HooptieWagon]

2. I was just there 10 days ago.

There are security checkpoints at the entrances, although the outdoors areas are wide open.

[PCIntern]

4. You shoulda stopped by and said 'Hello'...

for those who haven't seen Independence Hall, it is right on Chestnut Street...

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=independence+hall&sa=X&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&biw=1024&bih=563&tbm=isch&tbnid=GtmNBOUCG_9oIM:&imgrefurl=http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Independence_Hall.jpg&docid=QlZ9dtc2J0nOXM&imgurl=&w=2609&h=1963&ei=_Rx0Ud-wGrGJ0QHjgIGwCw&zoom=1&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=137&tbnw=173&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:154&tx=106&ty=81

[HooptieWagon]

5. I stayed at the Omni at Chesnut and 4th.

Got a deal on Priceline. I was visiting friends, and seeing some of them play at Dobbs. My first visit to Philly, enjoyed it a lot. The whole Independence Hall, Park, Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin's grave, etc, was fascinating. Didn't get to Penn's Landing, its on the list for next visit.

[PCIntern]

7. Great stuff:

and if you REALLY want to see something remarkable, travel up to Doylestown and go to The Mercer Museum. Nothng else like it in the entire world...

[gateley]

6. Beautiful!

[PCIntern]

9. Isn't it though?

I'm no big flag-waver, but it brings a tear to my eye every time I walk or drive past it. Swear to God.

[gateley]

10. Yep -- I know what you mean. I get a wave of pride about our country

which I spend most of my time bitching about!

I MAY have been there as a very young kid. I'd love to go now so I can appreciate what I'm seeing. As a matter of fact, seeing this made that thought go through my mind.

[HooptieWagon]

15. The Omni and Wyndam Hotels are right there.

A block or less away. Both kind of expensive, but you can get deals. Everything is walking distance...even South Street entertainment district (about 15 min walk south). Don't need a rental car, in fact parking is expensive. Cab fare from airport is a flat-rate $28.50 + $1.05 fuel charge.

[gateley]

17. Thanks for the insider info and tips!!

[HooptieWagon]

12. Yes. It dates to the mid 1700s.

It was the Pennsylvania State Assembly house. Many of the independence rallies were held in the quad right in front. The Liberty Bell hung in the bell tower for about 200 years, now its in a museum accross the street. My hotel room looked out over Independence Hall. The whole area is fascinating, not only for it's part in US history, but all the beautiful old buildings. Across from Independence Hall is the first public library, founded by Ben Franklin...although its a reproduction. Down the street though, is the original Quaker Meeting House. Across from that is Ben Franklin's grave.

[gateley]

8. It's promising that you don't hear any sirens.

[gateley]

11. ????? (from your link)

The man said he was an architect from Philadelphia and he's been hiding in the garage of the building.

Odd.

[Poll_Blind]

14. UPDATE---> Man In Custody After Reports Of Suspicious Person Near Independence Visitor Center

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2013/04/21/man-in-custody-after-reports-of-suspicious-person-near-independence-visitor-center/

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Police say a man has been taken into custody after reports of a suspicious person in an underground garage of the Independence Visitor Center.

--SNIP--

Officials report that a man has been taken into custody and the center has reopened, but the garage area is still closed.

PB

[PCIntern]

16. Now reopened as per Philly.com nt