Parachute demonstration at Nationals game triggers evacuation of US Capitol
An Army plane delivering skydivers to the Washington Nationals Park triggers false alarm evacuation at U.S. Capitol
A military parachute event hovering over Washington’s Nationals Park Wednesday night triggered a “probable threat” warning at the U.S. Capitol prompting an evacuation order.
The aircraft was featuring U.S. Army parachute team, Army Golden Knights, delivering a demonstration before the Washington Nats’ vs Arizona Diamondbacks matchup on Military Appreciation Day.
The Capitol was evacuated out of an abundance of caution this evening.
— U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) April 20, 2022
There is no threat at the Capitol.
More details to come. pic.twitter.com/7qqxqQyzlD
U.S. Capitol not notified with memo
It seemed that Capitol Police had not been notified, and the military plane had failed to get proper clearance before taking off.
Capitol Police sent an email alert to congressional staffers with the subject line “Evacuate Now: Aircraft Intrusion” shortly after 6:30 pm ET.
Well. https://t.co/RUhZUId82g
— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) April 20, 2022
Police started evacuating staffers and tourists out of the area, as sirens sang loudly outside. Both sides of the Capitol Square were being emptied.
The confusion on Capitol Hill lasted around 20 minutes, as there was no threat identified.