Pentagon places staff under emergency lockdown following ‘hazardous materials incident’
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed in a statement that the building’s security systems detected an air quality issue, prompting preventive measures while the situation is assessed.
Aerial view of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
Part of the Pentagon went on lockdown on Thursday due to a possible "hazardous materials incident," but a spokesperson later stated that it was a false alarm.
"Earlier this morning, Pentagon occupants were notified of a potential air quality issue, prompting immediate precautionary safety measures and evaluation. Subsequent testing confirmed no hazard exists, and normal operations have resumed," Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement.
Lockdown and response teams deployed
The Arlington County Fire Department reported earlier that it had units operating at the Pentagon, including the "Hazardous Materials Team."
The fire department had described it as a "hazardous materials incident," while Parnell had announced an "on-site containment order for the affected area."
Approximately 25,000 people work in the Pentagon on any given day.
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