Multiple floors of the Pentagon are currently under lockdown as a precautionary measure following a hazardous materials incident. Staff members have been evacuated from the affected areas on floors two through five of the building while a hazardous materials response team is conducting an investigation.
Police personnel inside the Pentagon have been observed wearing gas masks and chemical protective gear, according to sources familiar with the situation. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell has confirmed that an air quality issue was detected within the building, prompting the evacuation until further assessment is completed.
Standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order, have been implemented in the affected sections of the Pentagon. Response teams are on standby to assist occupants as needed. The security team at the Pentagon has communicated that additional air quality testing is required, which may take one to two hours.
Various agencies, including a hazardous materials response team and the Arlington County Fire Department, are actively responding to the incident. The situation is being closely monitored, and precautionary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of all individuals in the building.
