Attendees at a rehearsal for President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration were evacuated from the Capitol’s Western Front by order of security officials following a fire at a homeless camp in the area, officials said.
Security is tight and the atmosphere tense in Washington, DC, two days before the inauguration and nearly two weeks after the January 6 siege of the Capitol.
DC firefighters responded to a fire in Block 100 of H Street SE Monday morning. The fire was out and no one was injured.
Capitol Police have closed the entire Capitol complex and issued a security alert.
Photos: Inauguration Rehearsal halted due to external threat
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“All buildings within the Capitol complex: External security threat, no entry or exit allowed, stay away from outside windows, doors. Take cover when you’re outside. USCP, ”the message said.
Another report from the Capitol Police said there was an “outside security threat under the bridge on I-295 at First and F Streets SE.”
Those who had gathered for a walk, including a military band, were sent in and moved to a safe location within the Capitol complex.
“This is not an exercise,” shouted the people involved in the rehearsal.
Four law enforcement officers told The Associated Press that there was a fire a few blocks away and the rehearsal was evacuated out of an abundance of caution. DC Fire and EMS later said the fire was out and no one was injured.
The Capitol complex and surrounding areas have been closed since the January 6 riot.
Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this evolving story.