[ad_1]
Washington – A fire under a freeway several blocks from the Capitol prompted a brief lockdown of the complex and the evacuation of a repeat of Wednesday’s inauguration, reflecting the heightened state of alert in the nation’s capital.
Capitol Police warned those in the Capitol to stay indoors due to an “external security threat” and prohibited access to and from the building. A rehearsal on the Capitol’s western front was evacuated as members of the media were ordered to return to nearby caravans.
Capitol Police said a fire under a freeway several blocks south of the Capitol caused the lockdown.
“In great caution following an outside security threat under the bridge over I-295 on First and F streets, SE, Acting Chief Pittman has ordered the Capitol complex closed. There are currently no fire on or inside the Capitol campus, ”Capitol police said. “Members and staff have been urged to shelter in place while the incident is investigated.”
The US secret service said the fire had been extinguished and there was “no threat to the public.”
The fear comes as thousands of troops are in Washington ahead of the inauguration, blocking the streets around the Capitol for the swearing-in of President-elect Joe Biden.
[ad_2]
Source link