AN alarming warning led to the evacuation of the US Capitol on Wednesday as police warned of an aircraft “that posed a threat” to the area.
Capitol Police have since said there is “no threat” in a tweet, after the initial alert was reported around 6.30pm local time.
1
“The Capitol was evacuated out of an abundance of caution this evening,” the tweet from Capitol Police reads, adding there is more information forthcoming.
The evacuation was a result of Capitol Police “tracking an aircraft that poses a probable threat to the Capitol Complex.”
The alert provided details on how and where staffers should evacuate.
Heather Caygle of Punchbowl News tweeted the plane was “not responding to communication,” triggering the evacuation.
The plane allegedly took off from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before circling around Washington. Sources told The Associated Press the aircraft did not have clearance to take off.
Members of the US Army’s Golden Knights were reportedly on board the plane.
They then parachuted into the Washington Nationals’ ballpark as part of a pregame ceremony prior to their game against the Arizona Diamondbacks
The demonstration is part of their ongoing Military Appreciation Games series.
Most read in US News
At tonight’s game, the team is providing two complimentary tickets to active duty, dependents, veterans, retirees and reservists with military ID or proof of service.
Upcoming Military Appreciation Games are scheduled for May 29, July 4, and September 1, according to the team’s website.
Nationals Park is just over one mile away from the US Capitol.
The evacuation comes one day after the Capitol Police ran a routine training exercise on Capitol grounds.
Capitol Police alerted residents and nearby staffers of the 7pm drill in a tweet.
“Please do not be alarmed if you see emergency vehicles and low flying helicopters,” the tweet reads.
More to follow…
For the latest news on this story keep checking back at Sun Online.
The-sun.com is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSunUS and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheUSSun.
