WASHINGTON – The United States Capitol Police are investigating an "active bomb threat" near the U.S. Capitol, prompting the evacuation of the complex.
Police are investigating a report of a possible explosive device linked to a pickup truck outside the Library of Congress, officials said.
"This is an active bomb threat investigation," Capitol Police tweeted.
Several congressional staffers confirmed to USA TODAY they have been told about the active bomb threat. According to alerts sent by the USCP, they have also closed down roads surrounding the Capitol complex and have evacuated most of the office buildings.
Capitol Police are leading the response that includes the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the D.C. Metropolitan Police.
In a brief statement, the FBI’s Washington Field Office referred to “reports of a suspicious vehicle and bomb threat near the Library of Congress.”
Both chambers of Congress are currently out of session for their summer breaks . Most lawmakers are currently not in their D.C. offices.
Patricia McCabe, a public information officer for the Supreme Court, said the Supreme Court building was also evacuated shortly after 10 a.m. EST Thursday morning. It is closed to the public because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said she had been briefed on the continuing investigation and urged the public to stay away from the Capitol area.
The threat of an explosive near the Capitol recalled a chilling aspect of the Jan. 6 riot investigation that remains unresolved.
Two pipe bombs were placed near the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national committees the night before the deadly Capitol siege. In that investigation, federal authorities have repeatedly appealed for the public's help in locating a suspect seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt.
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