Church Receives Bomb Threat In Alexandria: Police

ALEXANDRIA, VA—An Old Town Alexandria church received a bomb threat Saturday.

WTOP first reported that Alexandria Police investigated a bomb threat relating to a suspicious package at Alfred Street Baptist Church. The bomb threat happened during a church service.

Police responded to the area around 7 p.m. and said via Twitter the threat wasn't found.

Alfred Street Baptist Church, a largely African-American church, has a rich history dating back to 1803. It became the first black Baptist church north or Richmond.

Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg called on other cities to adopt a statement of inclusiveness like the city has done. "What is going on in our country? It belongs to all of us, regardless of our background, race, religion, gender, age, ability, etc. And freedom of worship is part of who we are as a nation. Stop the hatred," the mayor wrote in a Facebook post.

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who previously attended the church's services, condemned the threat in a statement. "Threats of violence against any religious institution must be taken seriously," he said. "In the wake of recent events in Pittsburgh and elsewhere, we cannot ignore any such threats and must oppose violent language and actions strenuously."

Churchgoers and others rallied behind the church on social media.

Image via Emily Leayman/Patch