Several floors of the Pentagon were evacuated over an “air quality issue” that necessitated the deployment of a hazmat team, which was determined to be a false alarm.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced at around 1:30 p.m. that subsequent testing “confirmed no hazard exists, and normal operations have resumed.”
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“Earlier this morning, Pentagon occupants were notified of a potential air quality issue, prompting immediate precautionary safety measures and evaluation,” Parnell said. “We express our sincere appreciation to the first responders for their swift actions to ensure the safety of all personnel.”
Sources familiar with the matter told CNN and Task and Purpose that the incident was a false alarm, after a sensor system malfunctioned and thought it detected anthrax.
The Arlington, Virginia, Fire Department said it deployed its own units, including its hazardous materials team, to support the Pentagon Force Protection Agency’s personnel, with what it called a “hazardous materials incident.”
Parnell had told the Washington Examiner in a statement that a shelter-in-place order had been issued for employees and that response teams were in place to assist.
“The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants,” he said at the time. “Those systems have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance. The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants.”
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A notice to Pentagon employees had told those in a certain area of the building to remain in place until the results of certain tests were obtained, a process estimated to take one or two hours. It assured residents that response teams were on standby.
“You may observe response personnel from multiple agencies and precautionary measures taking place in the center courtyard,” the notice reads, promising further directions soon. “Please do not interpret these activities.”
