Multiple floors of the Pentagon are currently under lockdown, and staff have been evacuated following a hazardous materials incident. Sources indicate that certain corridors on floors two to five have been closed off while a hazardous materials response team is conducting an investigation.
Witnesses have observed police personnel in the building wearing gas masks and chemical protective gear. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell has confirmed that there is an air quality issue detected within the building, prompting the evacuation until further assessment is made on its significance.
Standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order, have been initiated for the affected area. Parnell stated that response teams are prepared to assist occupants of the building. The Pentagon’s security team has communicated that additional testing is required to address the air quality issue, which may take one to two hours.
Response personnel from various agencies are on-site, and precautionary measures are being implemented in the center courtyard. Captain Jamie Jill, a department spokesperson, mentioned that a hazardous materials response team is collaborating with the Arlington County Fire Department to manage the situation.