The Capitol, the seat of the US Congress, was briefly evacuated Wednesday night after police warned they were pursuing a plane that posed “a likely threat,” but it turned out to be a military plane from which soldiers were fleeing to a demonstration jump off with the parachute. Officials told the Associated Press.
The warning to evacuate the Capitol came just after 6:30 p.m. local time.
2 of 2 Washington DC Capitol Building, which houses the US Congress, pictured December 28, 2020 — Photo: Leah Millis/Archive/Reuters
Washington DC’s Capitol Building, which houses the US Congress, pictured December 28, 2020 — Photo: Leah Millis/Archive/Reuters
The plane, a singleengine plane, reportedly flew around Washington after taking off from Andrews Base in Maryland, two sources familiar with the matter told the AP. Those sources said the plane failed to announce takeoff and received proper clearance. The sources consulted were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.
The plane was carrying members of the socalled “Golden Knights of the US Army,” who then parachuted to a demonstration at the Washington Nationals ballpark before the start of the game. The stadium is just over a mile from the US Capitol.