Separately, the Acting Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police Yogananda Pittman released a statement reiterating that the temporary shutdown was out of “abundance of caution.”
“Members and staff were advised to shelter in place while the incident is being investigated,” said Pittman.
The notice sent to House and Senate offices reads, “All buildings within the Capitol Complex: Due to an external security threat located under the bridge on I-295 at First and F Streets SE, no entry or exit is permitted at this time. You may move throughout the buildings but stay away from exterior windows and doors. If you are outside, seek cover.”
Meanwhile, the Washington D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department said a woman using propane at a homeless encampment caused the small fire. She suffered a non-life-threatening injury and refused to be transported to the hospital for treatment.
The adult female who occupied the tent declined transport to the hospital. #DCsBravest have requested the @RedCrossNCGC to provide assistance. There were no other injuries.
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) January 18, 2021
The U.S. Capitol Police lifted its shelter-in-place advisory after determining that there is no threat.
