Participants in a rehearsal for President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration were evacuated from the Capitol’s West Front by order of security officials after a fire at a homeless camp in the area, officials said.
Security is tight and the atmosphere is tense in Washington, DC, two days before the inauguration and almost two weeks after the January 6 siege of the Capitol.
DC firefighters responded to a fire on Monday morning at block 100 on H Street SE. The fire was extinguished and no one was injured.
The US Capitol Police closed the entire Capitol complex and issued a security warning.
Photos: Inauguration rehearsal ended due to external threat
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“All buildings within the Capitol Complex: External threat to security, no entry or exit is allowed, stay away from outside windows and doors. If you’re out, look for cover. USCP ”, said the message.
Another message from the Capitol Police said that there was an “external security threat located under the I-295 bridge on First and F SE streets.”
Those who gathered for a walk, including a military band, were directed into the house and transferred to a safe location within the Capitol complex.
“This is not an exercise,” said the people involved in the rehearsal.
Four police officers told the Associated Press that there was a fire several blocks away and that the trial was evacuated as a precaution. DC Fire and EMS later said the fire was extinguished and no one was injured.
The Capitol complex and surrounding areas have been blocked since the January 6 riot.
Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.