US Capitol evacuated over aircraft deemed ‘probable threat’

US Capitol evacuated over aircraft deemed ‘probable threat’ The Army Golden Knights jump aircraft, the UV-18 Viking Twin Otter, flies during training in Homestead, Florida on 7 Feb. 2022. (U.S. Army photo by Megan Hackett)

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates as more information becomes available.

The U.S. Capitol was evacuated Wednesday evening after Capitol Police said an aircraft in the area posed a “probable threat.” An “all clear” message was called soon after and the Capitol Police said there was no threat.

“The USCP is tracking an aircraft that poses a probable threat to the Capitol Complex,” the initial announcement said. “Evacuate the U.S. Capitol, Capitol Visitor Center, Hart, Dirksen, Russell, Cannon, Longworth, Rayburn, Library of Congress (Jefferson, Madison and Adams) and U.S. Botanic Garden (Administrative and Conservatory) buildings.”

At 6:48 p.m EST, the U.S. Capitol Police confirmed the evacuation and tweeted, “The Capitol was evacuated out of an abundance of caution this evening. There is no threat at the Capitol. More details to come.”

Aircraft tracking data showed a Viking UV-18C Twin Otter 400 aircraft circling Navy Yard at 100 mph. The aircraft has been used by the U.S. Army Golden Knights for jumps since 2013.

It’s unclear if this was the aircraft that posed a threat to the Capitol.

The U.S. Army Golden Knights jump team was expected to parachute into Nationals Park ahead of the Washington Nationals game for Military Appreciation Day.

The incident took place one day after the Capitol Police held a training exercise on Tuesday.

The exercise involved federal, state, and local partners with emergency vehicles and low-flying helicopters.

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