WASHINGTON — The headquarters for U.S. Capitol Police was evacuated Tuesday due to a suspicious vehicle in the area, but the vehicle has been cleared, the agency said.
Around 12:15 p.m., a truck approached a barricade next to Capitol Police headquarters. A police K-9 swept the vehicle, which the agency said is standard protocol, and the dog showed interest in the vehicle.
Capitol Police said it was determined that the vehicle did not follow protocols for entering the U.S. Capitol Complex. An officer also saw a suitcase laying on top of plastic wrap in the truck bed.
Officers at the scene immediately declared the vehicle suspicious and the police headquarters and a local business was evacuated as a precaution.
The police department's Hazardous Devices Section responded to the vehicle and x-rayed the suitcase in the bed of the truck. Police said multiple other suitcases were found inside of the truck and were scanned.
The vehicle and suitcases were examined and cleared with no hazardous materials found. The driver of the vehicle was interviewed and released.
Several roads were closed during the evacuation.
Police believe more people may be involved, and want those with information to come forward.