ByROSS IBBETSON, ASSOCIATE EDITORandCHASE HOPE, POLITICAL REPORTER FOR THE DAILY MAIL
Published:11:06 EDT, 11 June 2026|Updated:12:17 EDT, 11 June 2026
Thursday morning'sPentagonlockdown and 'hazardous materials incident' were due to a false alarm, sources tellCNN.
Multiple floors and corridors of the sprawling complex were locked down and others were evacuated.
Firefighters in full protective clothing, including gas masks, were seen rushing inside the building in Arlington,Virginia.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that 'an air quality issue' had been detected, sparking 'precautionary measures until we determine its significance.'
'The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area,' Parnell said. 'Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants.'
Arlington County Fire Department posted on X: 'ACFD units, including our Hazardous Materials Team, are currently operating at the Pentagon in support of PFPA's Hazmat Team during a hazardous materials incident.'
A internal communication to Pentagon employees this morning asked them to shelter in place and said that air quality tests 'could take one to two hours.'
'You may observe response personnel from multiple agencies and precautionary measures taking place in the center courtyard,' the communication continued. 'Please do not interpret these activities.'
Source: Drudge Report
