ThePentagonlockdown and evacuation were triggered by a false alarm, according to two sources familiar with the matter told CNN. Earlier, multiple floors and corridors inside the building were placed under lockdown, while others were evacuated following reports of a possible “hazardous materials incident,” sources and the local fire department said.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said internal systems had “detected an air quality issue” that required precautionary measures while its significance was assessed. He added that standard protection protocols were activated, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area, with response teams deployed to the scene.
The Pentagon Force Protection Agency’s hazardous materials unit responded with assistance from the Arlington County Fire Department, officials said. The Arlington Fire & EMS service confirmed its hazardous materials team was operating at the site during the incident.
A message circulated within the building stated that additional air quality testing was underway and could take one to two hours. It also urged occupants not to misinterpret the visible emergency response activity.
According to sources, floors two through five across corridors four through seven were locked down during the response. Some personnel inside the building were seen wearing gas masks and chemical protective gear as precautionary measures.
GetLatest NewsLive on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines fromUS Newsand around theWorld.
Working as Copy Editor at the Business Desk of Times Now Digital. Dedicated towards crafting interesting financial stories. Previously covered financi...View More
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
