Capitol Hill evacuated while police investigate ‘active bomb threat’

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 in a pickup truck outside the Library of Congress, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.

U.S. Capitol Police said officers were “responding to a suspicious vehicle near the Library of Congress,” adding that “This is an active bomb threat investigation.”

Several congressional staffers confirmed to USA TODAY they have been told about the active bomb threat. Per alerts sent by the USCP, they have also closed down roads surrounding the Capitol complex and have evacuated most of the office buildings. 

Law enforcement officialstold the Associated Press that investigators were at the scene and working to determine whether the device was an operable explosive. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The FBI also responded Thursday saying that the “Washington Field Office’s National Capital Response Squad is responding with our partners to reports of a suspicious vehicle near the Library of Congress.” 

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.

Contributing: Eric Tucker and Michael Balsamo at the Associated Press; Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY.  

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