It was a “precautionary” measure, police said after the incident. US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi makes serious allegations against the US Federal Aviation Administration.
The Capitol in the US capital, Washington, was temporarily evacuated by police. It was a precautionary measure and there was no threat, Capitol Police said on Twitter Wednesday night (local time). She had previously warned of a possible threat from a plane in an email, as reported by US media. However, this turned out to be a false alarm.
The backdrop was an event with US military paratroopers at a nearby baseball stadium. The notice at Congress headquarters was lifted after about 20 minutes.
‘Inexcusable’: Pelosi makes accusations
US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has made serious allegations against the US Federal Aviation Administration. This “obviously failed” to inform the Capitol Police of the planned overflight. This is “outrageous and inexcusable,” Pelosi said. The “apparent neglect” caused unnecessary panic among officials who are still dealing with the trauma of the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
After an inciting speech by deposed Republican President Donald Trump, his supporters stormed Congress last year. They wanted to prevent the confirmation of the electoral victory of Democrat Joe Biden. The attack killed five people and injured dozens. The attack on the heart of American democracy has shaken the country. Pelosi announced that Congress will consider who will be held responsible by the aviation authority for the error.
Pelosi thanked the Capitol Police for their “exemplary service.” By ordering the evacuation and checking for a possible threat from an aircraft, the authorities would have ensured the safety of everyone working there.
(APA/AFP)