Several Pentagon Areas Locked Down After Hazardous Materials Incident

Floors and corridors in the Pentagon building were locked and evacuated today (Thursday) following a hazardous materials incident. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that systems in the building detected an air quality issue, which required precautionary measures until the nature of the event is clarified. According to Parnell, the Defense Department is implementing standard protective protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected areas. Response teams are on site and prepared to assist employees in the building. The Pentagon Force Protection Agency hazardous materials team is operating at the scene with assistance from the Arlington County Fire Department.

In a message sent to Pentagon security teams, it was stated that the additional testing required could take between one and two hours. The message asked employees not to interpret the extensive activity by security and rescue personnel in the central courtyard as a sign of immediate danger. According to reports, the second through fifth floors, in corridors four through seven in the complex, were locked down. One source said police inside the building were seen wearing gas masks and full chemical protective gear.