Tensions are obviously high around the U.S. Capitol, and there are tens of thousands of National Guard troops and others guarding Washington, D.C. in advance of Joe Biden’s virtual inauguration. There was an evacuation order Monday morning, and press were moved and sent a terse notice from the Capitol Police:
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
Terrifying.
— Gregory Sewell (@gregvsewell) January 18, 2021
And so the madness begins again.
— Randy Rhoads (@williamrhoads) January 18, 2021
Fear this is becoming the new “normal”
— Kim Northrop (@bettygirl1239) January 18, 2021
Pray for our country.
— Concerned citizen (@tertree8) January 18, 2021
Biden should NOT be taking the oath outside!
— Jax D39 (@jaxD39) January 18, 2021
Such a sad situation for the survival of a free land that doesn't use an oppressive government.
— D.Embry (@DEmbry7) January 18, 2021
Are we at war?
— agnes walker (@agnestwalker) January 18, 2021
Stay away from windows sounds like an explosive or sniper threat.
— Giordano.Bruno (@Giordan67551736) January 18, 2021
You just know that Trump is loving every minute of this. He's rejoicing in the destruction he has wrought.
— Cynthia Brumfield (@msbrumfield) January 18, 2021
JFC — He’s sabotaged the inauguration. He’s such a seditious ass.
— John Koetzner (@john_koetzner) January 18, 2021
Trump’s terrorists are testing the security again.
— Jason Kiker (@jak22207) January 18, 2021
Christ alive what's happened to America?
Its hard to distinguish America from a failed nation state.
— Dylan (@sidmas88) January 18, 2021
Who set the fire? Bet it was some righties to test the response time
— Ser Remy (@ser_remy) January 18, 2021
Was this emergency evacuation or did it seem planned?
— eli (@Eli_An10eh) January 18, 2021
According to NBC News’ Pete Williams, it wasn’t planned. And there was no need for alarm.
UPDATE: A law enforcement official tells @PeteWilliamsNBC that the evacuation was prompted by what turned out to be a fire at a homeless encampment.
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) January 18, 2021
ALL CLEAR: Capitol Police just announced to staff sheltering in place that the Capitol is clear and we’re free to return.
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) January 18, 2021
All of this homeless person’s belongings just went up in flames under the 695 bridge near H and 2nd SE. Extremely unfortunate… @WTOPtraffic @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/9YAVsOjUqL
— John Koussis (@kouskousVPI) January 18, 2021
A dumpster fire caused this. Of course, makes total sense ??♀️
— GenB! (@GenBlair) January 18, 2021
THIS IS SO ON-BRAND https://t.co/RbUogJToU7
— Kurt Schlichter (@KurtSchlichter) January 18, 2021
A Sensationalized garbage fire ?
— CryptoDaddy (@Crypto_Daddy_) January 18, 2021
Hahahahahah!
— Fanny Smellmore (@FannySmellmore1) January 18, 2021
People need to calm down.
— Bull Moose (@BullMoose1965) January 18, 2021
“external security threat located under the bridge”
Homeless encampment…
— franks_3111? (@franks_3111) January 18, 2021
I guess they will say they were homeless republicans
— James E Russell (@JamesERussell3) January 18, 2021
God you people are imbeciles.. its a fire at a homeless camp..
— emey (@Skoot62) January 18, 2021
Who the hell reported a fire in a trash can as anything other than a fire in a trash can. Damn idiot snowflakes.
— RCB (@RonCB49) January 18, 2021
Maybe it was Trump supporters who set the fire at the homeless encampment to draw security personnel away from the Capitol … our panel discusses this possibility next on CNN.
Related:
Jim Carrey calls false alarm in Hawaii 'a real psychic warning' about Trump and the GOP Congress https://t.co/bcSuCuGAPP
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) January 14, 2018
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