The US Capitol in Washington, DC, was evacuated during a rehearsal for the inauguration of Joe Biden due to an»external threat». The video taken by eyewitnesses shows smoke rising behind the building, and an alarm can be heard.
«All buildings inside the Capitol complex: an external security threat has been detected, it is forbidden to enter and exit, stay away from windows and doors. — it was said in the recording — If you are on the street, look for shelter.»
Reporter Jackson Proskow shared a recording of the incident on Twitter, writing: «There is smoke behind the Capitol building. An alarm sounds.»
«The smoke has subsided. — he soon published an update — The people who were at the inauguration rehearsal have left.»
BREAKING: Smoke rising behind Capitol building. Inauguration rehearsal appears to be evacuating. Emergency announcement playing at Capitol grounds. pic.twitter.com/86J9S8CsMY
— Jackson Proskow (@JProskowGlobal) January 18, 2021
NBC News reports that smoke was coming from a homeless shelter nearby, where the fire allegedly occurred. The Capitol Police Department, in turn, noted that the decision to block the building and evacuate was made as part of»enhanced precautionary measures».
On January 6, a group of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, interrupting the process of counting the votes of the Electoral College and forcing the authorities to evacuate the building. Dozens of people were injured, 5 more, including a police officer, were killed. At the moment, the search for those involved in the incident continues.
In the light of these events, as well as reports received by law enforcement agencies about new possible riots, 20 thousand soldiers will protect the building on the day of Joe Biden’s inauguration.
