Air Quality Alert at the Pentagon: Parts of the US Department of Defense Locked Down and Evacuated

What is known so far

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that building systems had detected "an air quality issue" that "requires precautionary measures until the significance of the incident is clarified." The building's security systems had detected an air quality problem, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said. Precautionary measures had therefore been taken until the cause was determined.

Security personnel inside the building were reportedly wearing gas masks and full chemical protective gear. Rescue teams would be wearing gas masks and chemical protective suits. No information was initially available about the nature of the substance detected.

Measures and course of events

The department was implementing "standard protection protocols," including an instruction to those affected to remain in place. In an internal message from the Pentagon security team, it was stated that the additional tests could take "one to two hours." Observers should "not misinterpret" any response teams in the building's central courtyard.

The situation at the Pentagon was being investigated, the Arlington County Fire Department said. The incident is ongoing. Several floors and corridors of the US Department of Defense have reportedly been locked down and evacuated.

Background: The Pentagon

The five-sided Pentagon near the capital Washington is one of the largest office buildings in the world. It is located in Arlington County, Virginia, not far from the US capital Washington. The five-sided Pentagon near the capital Washington was one of the targets of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

The lockdown and evacuation of parts of the Pentagon was reported by US news channel CNN. CNN reported on the lockdown and evacuation of parts of the building complex that houses the US Department of Defense.