Suspected hazardous materials incident at Pentagon prompts lockdown

U.S. media reported Thursday evening on a suspected hazardous materials incident at the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense in Arlington, Virginia, near Washington, D.C. CNN reported that several floors of the sprawling complex, one of the largest office buildings in the world, were placed under lockdown, while workers in other areas were told to evacuate. A source familiar with the details told the network that police there were wearing gas masks and chemical protective gear.

A Pentagon spokesperson said the building's systems detected an “air quality issue that required protective measures until we could determine its meaning.” Spokesman Sean Parnell added that, in accordance with “standard procedures,” employees were instructed to take shelter in the areas affected by the identified issue. “Response teams are deployed on the ground and ready to assist those inside the building,” he said. More details to follow.