Smoke Billows Near Capitol As Emergency Message Sends People Running

Image Credit: twitter screenshot

Update: Capitol Police say the fire that created the scare came from a homeless camp under a nearby bridge.

A "small fire" under a nearby bridge prompted the temporary shutdown of the U.S. Capitol complex and an evacuation of the west front of the building Monday, where a rehearsal for Wednesday's inaugural ceremony was underway. https://t.co/RyFSQydzNL

— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 18, 2021

Video posted online shows smoke rising from behind the US Capitol Building as the person filming says, “Everyone is running from the Capitol grounds.”

People gathered at the inauguration stage erected near the building can be seen fleeing.

“Due to an external security threat, no entry or exit is permitted at this time at any building of the Capitol complex. Stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover,” an announcement rang out via loudspeaker.

There's some smoke rising pic.twitter.com/cJNWLn9iIB

— Chris Weidner (@CWNewser) January 18, 2021

This page will be updated when more information is available.

I am inside the Capitol when US Capitol police announced an “external security threat”. The Capitol is locked down. National Guard told to get up and move. I see a lot of Capitol police running. pic.twitter.com/vpv5N4Qbkf

— Edward Lawrence (@EdwardLawrence) January 18, 2021

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Smoke Billows Near Capitol As Emergency Message Sends People Running – External Security Threat Declared