Pentagon on lockdown due to ‘hazardous materials incident’
The Pentagon is on lockdown, with hazmat on site after air-quality issues were detected, possibly hazardous material found inside the heart of America’s defense industry.
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, released a statement regarding the incident.
“The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. Those systems have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance,” the statement read. “The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants.”
Arlington Fire and EMS confirmed the department’s Hazardous Materials Team was on scene in support of a “hazardous materials incident.”
The Pentagon, located in Arlington, Va., comprises over 6.5 million square feet and over 17 miles of corridors, making it the largest low-rise office building in the world, with over 20,000 people working there.
Part of the Pentagon was struck during the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, killing 189 people.
This is a developing story.
Latest News Stories
Nonprofit hospitals called out for prioritizing politics over patients
Americans back birthright citizenship 2-to-1, poll finds
Roy leads congressional delegation calling to halt federal funding for CAIR
Marilyn Monroe’s home becomes a monument; owners sue
Abbott lauds Supreme Court’s second ruling upholding Texas’ new congressional maps
Illinois quick hits: Appeals court upholds Madigan corruption conviction
Special session for congressional maps set to convene
Trump officials explain assassination attempt charges on alleged attacker
Virginia Supreme Court questions redistricting process
Tillis affirms support of Warsh ahead of Wednesday vote
Jack Daniel’s maker faces foreign takeover push
Pritzker pushes housing plan described as ‘all stick,’ no carrot