Grand opening rehearsal evacuated, Capitol closed after fire at DC homeless camp – NBC4 Washington

Attendees at a rehearsal for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden were evacuated from the Western Front of the Capitol on the orders of security officials after a fire at a homeless camp in the area, officials said.

Security is tight and the atmosphere is tense in Washington, DC, two days before the inauguration and almost two weeks after the Jan.6 siege on Capitol Hill.

DC firefighters responded to a fire Monday morning in the 100 block of H Street SE. The fire was extinguished and no one was injured.

U.S. Capitol Police have closed the entire Capitol complex and issued a security warning.

Photos: The inauguration rehearsal is interrupted by an external threat

“All buildings in the Capitol complex: threat to external security, no entry or exit is allowed, stay away from windows and exterior doors. If outside, seek shelter. USCP, ”the message read.

Another message from Capitol Police said there was an “outside security threat located under the bridge on I-295 on First Streets and F Streets SE.”

Those who had gathered for a visit, including a military marching band, were asked to head inside and settle in a safe place inside the Capitol complex.

“This is not an exercise,” shouted security officials involved in the rehearsal.

Four law enforcement officials told The Associated Press there was a fire several blocks away and the rehearsal was evacuated out of caution. DC Fire and EMS later said the blaze had been extinguished and no one was injured.

#DCsBravest responded to an outside fire in block 100 of H St SE which was extinguished. There are no casualties. This explains the smoke that many have seen.

– DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) January 18, 2021

The Capitol complex and its surroundings have been closed since the January 6 riot.

Stick with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.