A Metropolitan Police Department cruiser blocks a street near the U.S. Capitol and a Library of Congress building in Washington on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, as law enforcement officials investigate a report of a pickup truck containing an explosive device.
Patrick Semansky | AP
U.S. Capitol Police on Thursday are investigating what they called “an active bomb threat” from a truck parked near the Library of Congress, and ordered the evacuation of the library and a nearby House office building.
The Capitol Police Twitter feed warned the public to “please stay away from this area.
In addition to Capitol police, Washington police were at the scene, some of whom had gas masks. There was concern that the truck may contain explosives.
People at the Cannon House Office Building received an alert telling them to leave that building and relocate to the Longworth House Office Building.
The FBI Washington Field Office’s National Capital Response responded to the scene, as did agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Congress is currently in recess.
The White House was monitoring the situation, and getting updates from law enforcement.
A police vehicle moves into an area near the U.S. Capitol and a Library of Congress building in Washington on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, as law enforcement officials investigate a report of a pickup truck containing an explosive device.
Patrick Semansky | AP
This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.
