'No Direct Threats' From Ex-Employee To Gannett Building: Police

MCLEAN, VA — Fairfax County Police determined there were no "direct threats" or a person with a gun at the Gannett Building at 7950 Jones Branch Drive in Tysons Wednesday. No charges are expected.

Police were notified about an ex-employee reportedly with a gun before noon Wednesday. Investigations determined the ex-employee sent a "suspicious group text message" to some former colleagues but did not make direct threats.

The day after the text was sent, another employee overhead two colleagues discussing the text message. The employee asked another colleague about it, as there was a language barrier. A cell phone translator made the message appear like there was a man with a gun currently in the building.

Police searched the complex floor by floor and helped employees who sheltered in place to evacuate. The building was given the all-clear after the search. Police located the ex-employee in another area of Fairfax County and questioned him.

"Our investigation determined that no one was actually seen with a gun and we do not have any evidence that the subject who sent the text message was at the building on Wednesday," said Fairfax County Police in a statement.