Capitol Police investigate ‘active bomb threat’ near Library of Congress
Written by ABC AUDIO on August 19, 2021
(WASHINGTON) — Several governmental buildings in Washington, D.C., were evacuated Thursday morning due to a suspicious vehicle and what Capitol Police call “an active bomb threat investigation.”
Law enforcement negotiators are working to make contact with the person in the vehicle, law enforcement sources told ABC News.
Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger said in a press conference around noon local time that negotiations are still ongoing to have a “peaceful resolution” and the suspect’s motives were unknown.
The suspect told responding police he had a bomb, and responding officers said he had what appeared to be a detonator in his hand, Manger said.
The Cannon House Office Building, a congressional office building, was evacuated via underground routes. The Library of Congress and Supreme Court building were also evacuated. Both the Supreme Court and Congress are on recess.
Messages have been sent to congressional staffers asking that they “remain calm and relocate to Longworth House Office Building using the underground tunnels.”
Senate staff were asked in a message to “remain clear of the police activity” and to “please move indoors” if they were outside on Capitol grounds.
The FBI said it’s responding. The White House is monitoring the situation and is receiving updates from law enforcement, according to an administration official.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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