US Capitol in Washington DC , was evacuated during Joe Biden's inauguration rehearsal due to an «external threat.» Eyewitness videos show smoke rising behind the building and hear an alarm.
“All buildings inside the Capitol complex: external security threat detected, no entry or exit, stay away from windows and doors. — said the tape — If you are on the street, seek shelter. ”
Reporter Jackson Proskow tweeted the incident, writing:“ Smoke is falling behind the Capitol building. & lt; … & gt; An alarm sounds. «
» The smoke has stopped. — he published an update soon — People who were at the inauguration rehearsal left. ”
BREAKING: Smoke rising behind the 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 smoke was coming from a homeless shelter nearby, where the fire is believed to have occurred. The Capitol Police Department, in turn, noted that the decision to lock the building and evacuate was made as part of «enhanced precautions.»
On January 6, a group of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, interrupting the electoral college vote counting process 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 continues for those involved in the incident.
In light of these events, as well as reports of new possible riots received by law enforcement agencies, on the day of Joe Biden's inauguration, the building will be protected by 20 thousand soldiers.
