THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL was placed on evacuation notice after an aircraft transporting parachutists was designated a “probable threat” to the American capital, sources indicate.

After a warning was given shortly after 6.30 p.m., Capitol staff were ordered to leave (local time). The call comes after Capitol Police announced they were tracking an aircraft posing a “possible threat” to the area.

“The USCP is tracking an aircraft that may threaten the Capitol Complex,” they stated.

“The Capitol was evacuated out of an abundance of caution this evening,” Capitol Police announced afterward.

“There is no threat at the Capitol. Additional information will be forthcoming.”

It has recently been claimed that the aircraft in question was a military transport carrying paratroopers.

The Associated Press reports that a single-engine aircraft circled Washington after picking up members of the US Army’s Golden Knights.

The parachuters were scheduled to perform a display at the Washington Nationals’ baseball stadium prior to the team’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The 41,339-capacity stadium, which opened in 2008, is located about 1.5 miles from the United States Capitol.

Capitol Police were reportedly unaware of the jet carrying the squad, which resulted in the evacuation order.

The force’s initial warning added: “Evacuate the US Capitol, Capitol Visitor Center, Hart, Dirksen, Russell, Cannon, Longworth, Rayburn, Library of Congress (Jefferson, Madison, and Adams), and the US Botanic Garden (Administrative and Conservatory) buildings.

The Capitol was evacuated out of an abundance of caution this evening.

There is no threat at the Capitol.

More details to come. pic.twitter.com/7qqxqQyzlD

— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) April 20, 2022

“If you are on the Senate side of the Capitol or CVC, in the Hart, Dirksen, or Russell buildings: move NORTH towards Union Station to the Aircraft Intrusion Assembly Area in the parks just prior to Columbus Circle NE.

“DO NOT STOP at your primary assembly area.

“If you are on the House side of the Capitol or CVC, in the Cannon, Longworth, Rayburn, or US Botanic Garden (Administrative or Conservatory) buildings: move SOUTH towards Garfield Park.

“DO NOT STOP at your primary assembly area.

“If you are in the Library of Congress (Jefferson, Madison, and Adams) buildings: move SOUTH towards Folger and Providence Parks.

For the latest International News Follow BOL News on Google News. Read more on Latest International News on oldsite.bolnews.com