Multiple outlets have reported that the inauguration rehearsal at the U.S. Capitol complex has been evacuated due to an “external security threat”. The Police Tribune reports that, “U.S. Capitol Police evacuated staff from the West Front and the crypt, a large circular room that is located directly under the Capitol Rotunda” adding that “Participants were told to “seek cover” and loudspeakers across the Capitol complex blasted the message “Due to an external security threat, stay where you are. Stay away from doors and windows.” This would suggest threat of an explosion and/or a threat underground.
BREAKING: Smoke rising behind Capitol building. Inauguration rehearsal appears to be evacuating. Emergency announcement playing at Capitol grounds. pic.twitter.com/86J9S8CsMY
— Jackson Proskow (@JProskowGlobal) January 18, 2021
Response from Capitol Police
The official line from the USCPD is that,
“In an abundance of caution following an external security threat under the bridge on I-295 at First and F Streets, SE, Acting Chief Pittman ordered a shutdown of the Complex,” according to ABC News
NEW: The West Front of the Capitol has just been evacuated. We’ve been moved, staff were sent this notice:
All buildings within the Capitol Complex: External security threat, no entry or exit is permitted, stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover. USCP
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) January 18, 2021
A ‘Smoke-screen’ report of Fire in a Homeless shanty?
Unconfirmed reports now suggest that this evacuation was due to fire at a homeless encampment near H Street. NextStarDC’s Jessi Turner Reported “From @dcfireems“#DCsBravest responded to an outside fire in the 100 block of H St SE that has been extinguished. There were no injuries. This accounts for smoke that many have seen.”
From @dcfireems: “#DCsBravest responded to an outside fire in the 100 block of H St SE that has been extinguished. There were no injuries. This accounts for smoke that many have seen.” #NexstarDC
— Jessi Turnure (@JessiTurnure) January 18, 2021
Capitol Hill evacuation was prompted by what turned out to be a fire at a nearby homeless encampment, a law enforcement official says – #Capitol #CapitolHill #BreakingNews #WashingtonState pic.twitter.com/C2mpJvCPYm
— Utkarsh Singh (@utkarshs88) January 18, 2021
Historic Connection to the Gunpowder Treason.
The suggestions of a threat in the tunnel system beneath the capitol ring of a similarity to Guy Fawke’s attempted bombing of Parliament during the Gunpowder plot of 1605. Guy Fawkes is commonly referenced by both left and right leaning groups advocating for revolution.
With more than 25,000 National Guard Troops currently deployed to Washington, DC as security for the inauguration, most major arterial roadways closed and authorities are legitimately concerned about a threat WITHIN the National Guard or Secret Service: we cannot gauge the truthfulness of any news coming out of the DC at this hour.
There is a significant likelihood that even were the Congress under attack, it would be difficult at this point to ascertain, how or by whom. The extreme overreaction illustrates the extreme paranoia of the incoming Biden Administration. They are clearly, deeply afraid of the American people which speaks volumes to their legitimacy.
