US NEWS
"Active Bomb Threat" at US Capitol after authorities spotted a suspicious vehicle
Lawmakers and staff on Capitol Hill have been ordered to evacuate due to a possible bomb threat after a suspicious truck was found around the corner at the Library of Congress
August, normally a slow month on Capitol Hill, is under evacuation order after a man in a suspicious pickup truck was spotted at the Library of Congress.
Capitol Police have taken to social media saying that, "This is an active bomb threat investigation. The staging area for journalists covering this situation is at Constitution and First Street, NW for your safety. Please continue to avoid the area around the Library of Congress.
Various outlets are reporting that Capitol Police are being sent to the scene to negotiate with a man who is claiming to have bombs inside his vehicle. The man is sitting in a pickup truck that does not have any license plates, meaning that law enforcement cannot identify if the suspect is local or drove from another state.
So far, the presence of explosives has not been confirmed, but people are being urged to avoid the area. NBC was told by officials being briefed on the stand-off that the man is claiming to hold a detonator. ABC News is reporting that Capitol Police are trying to confirm if the suspect took to Facebook Live when he planted himself in front of the Library of Congress.
During a press conference hosted by the Capitol Police Chief Manger said that "around 9:15 this morning a man in a black pick-up truck drove up onto the sidewalk in front of the Library of Congress, near First and Independence SE. We responded to a disturbance call. The driver of the truck told the responding officer on the scene that he had a bomb and what appeared to be a detonator in the man's hand." A motive, however, has yet to be made public.
He went on to say that they "immediately evacuated nearby buildings." He also noted that some of the negotiations are ongoing and would not comment on the status.
Just over seven months since the January 6th insurrection, staffers and lawmakers have been told to evacuate the Capitol building and head to the Longworth House Office Building. Safety alerts sent to those inside the Capitol told staff to stay inside, keep away from the windows, and lock the doors.
Which buildings have been evacuated?
Unlike on 6 January, many Senators and Representatives are in their home states as this has occurred in the middle of Congress' Summer Recess.
As the vehicle is located in front of the Library of Congress, those in the building have been told to leave. Additionally, any persons in the Supreme Court which is located directly next to the Library of Congress have also been evacuated. Two buildings that hold offices of for Representatives from House have also been told to exit.
The offices of the Republican National Committee, which are located in the area have also been evacuated, CNBC reports.
Additionally, the Metropolitan DC Police Department is canvassing between, "2nd Street SE to 4th Street SE and A Street SE to Independence Ave SE," and asking residents to evacuate their homes.
What law enforcement agencies are being sent to the scene?
CNBC and ABC have also reported that agents from the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have been sent to the area to assist the Capitol Police.
The White House has been briefed and will be keeping a close eye on the issue as the situation develops.
Large trucks, from the various agencies reporting to the scene, are being sent to the area to block off the area to avoid traffic from moving through the area.
This story is evolving. Check back soon for more details.