WASHINGTON, D.C. — UPDATE: Participants in an inauguration rehearsal on the West Front of U.S. Capitol have been evacuated by security officials, the Associated Press reports.
Officials later said the evacuation was due to a fire several blocks away and is not due to a security threat.
D.C.'s fire and EMS department later tweeted that the fire was taking place in the 100 block of H Street SE, which is located five to six blocks south of the Capitol.
"All buildings within the Capitol Complex: External security threat, no entry or exit is permitted, stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover," according to the staff report.
NEW: The West Front of the Capitol has just been evacuated. We’ve been moved, staff were sent this notice:
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) January 18, 2021
All buildings within the Capitol Complex: External security threat, no entry or exit is permitted, stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover. USCP
This is a developing story.
