A bomb threat targeting Shen Yun Performing Arts disrupted their opening night at the Kennedy Center, prompting an investigation and raising concerns about potential Chinese Communist Party involvement.
At a Glance
- Bomb threat at Kennedy Center led to evacuation and road closures
- Threat specifically targeted Shen Yun, a Chinese performing arts troupe
- U.S. Park Police is leading the investigation with increased security measures
- Shen Yun suspects Chinese Communist Party involvement in this and other incidents
- Performances will continue as planned despite the threat
Bomb Threat Disrupts Shen Yun Performance
On Wednesday evening, a bomb threat targeting Shen Yun Performing Arts caused a significant disruption at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The threat led to an immediate evacuation of the building and the closure of surrounding roads, including Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway and Virginia Avenue. The U.S. Park Police swiftly responded to the situation, initiating an investigation with support from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit.
Officer L. Lepe from the Metropolitan Police Department confirmed the bomb threat, which specifically targeted Shen Yun, a Chinese performing arts troupe associated with the Falun Gong religious group. The Kennedy Center, known for its swift response to such incidents, acted promptly to ensure public safety.
A bomb threat at the Kennedy Center prompted an evacuation and road closures Thursday afternoon, but security has since given the all-clear, and performances will proceed as scheduled, according to a center spokesperson. https://t.co/ltZPOTc6GH
— LiveNOW from FOX (@livenowfox) February 21, 2025
Security Measures and Investigation
In response to the threat, security measures were heightened, and a thorough investigation was conducted.
“Security acted swiftly, following existing protocols,” the Kennedy Center said. After a comprehensive sweep of the area, authorities gave the all-clear, allowing the roads to reopen and performances to resume as planned.
The U.S. Park Police is leading the ongoing investigation, with increased security measures in place for future performances. While the origin of the threat remains unknown, and it is unclear if any explosives were present, authorities are taking the incident seriously.
Shen Yun’s Concerns and Call for Investigation
This incident is not isolated but part of a series of provocations Shen Yun has faced during their global tour. The performing arts group has received 18 threat emails since their tour began in December, raising suspicions about the involvement of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in these attempts to disrupt their performances.
“It’s basically targeting the entire U.S. government, society, and everything that we stand for,” Leeshai Lemish, Shen Yun’s emcee, said.
Shen Yun is calling for a thorough investigation by U.S. authorities to identify those behind the threats. Lemish emphasized the need to “investigate this thoroughly, to really try to find out who is behind this.” The company believes that these incidents are part of a broader campaign by the CCP to hinder their mission of revitalizing traditional Chinese culture.
Continued Determination
Despite the challenges, Shen Yun remains undeterred in their mission. The company has not canceled any shows and continues to perform, demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity. Their determination extends beyond the current tour, with aspirations to eventually bring their show to China itself.
As Shen Yun continues its performances at the Kennedy Center and other venues worldwide, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical tensions surrounding cultural expressions and the importance of protecting artistic freedom. The group’s perseverance in the face of these challenges underscores their commitment to sharing traditional Chinese culture with global audiences.
