WASHINGTON — United States Capitol Police said a package containing vials of blood caused road closures at the Republican National Committee on Wednesday morning.
While police have not said where the blood vials came from, they were apparently addressed to former President Donald Trump.
Police and firefighters were called to the 300 block of 1st Street Southeast for a report of a suspicious package around 9 a.m. Roads in the area were shut down for the investigation, but all roads have since reopened after authorities gave the all clear.
The USCP hazardous response team said the package contained two vials of blood. Police have not said whether the package was sent directly to the RNC. The source of the package and its contents will be further investigated, authorities said.
The Associated Press reported Wednesday that the RNC was briefly evacuated and that the vials were addressed to Trump, according to a person familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak about it publicly. It was unclear if any message accompanied the vials explaining why they were sent.
Spokespeople for the RNC and the U.S. Secret Service did not immediately return messages seeking comment. The Metropolitan Police Department and the local fire department referred comment to the Capitol Police.
The United States Secret Service released a statement by Special Agent in Charge Matt Stohler regarding the vials and what unfolded Wednesday evening:
"At 750 am Wednesday, a package addressed to a Secret Service protectee was received at RNC Headquarters in Washington D.C. Following initial screening, the package was opened, and the contents were determined to be suspicious. Staff contacted the U.S. Capitol Police Department and officers arrived to secure the scene. Agents of the U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office responded to investigate the potential threat. The package contained vials of liquid suspected to be blood, and the packaging and contents were collected for further testing. The Secret Service would like to acknowledge the rapid response of our partners at the U.S. Capitol Police Department and their critical assistance in the investigation. All threats directed towards Secret Service protectees, are treated seriously and fully investigated."
The Associated Press contributed to the reporting of this story.
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