Multiple floors and corridors within the Pentagon were locked down and evacuated on Thursday following a hazardous materials incident, according to sources familiar with the situation and the local fire department. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that building systems detected an air quality issue, prompting precautionary measures while authorities assess the significance of the problem.
The Department of Defense is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area. Response teams are on standby to support building occupants if necessary.
The Pentagon Force Protection Agency's hazardous materials response team is responding to the incident with assistance from the Arlington County Fire Department, said department spokesperson Captain A. A social media post from Arlington Fire & EMS indicated that the Arlington County Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team is operating at the Pentagon during the incident.
A security team message stated that additional air quality testing is required, which could take one to two hours. The message advised occupants not to misinterpret the presence of response personnel and precautionary measures in the center courtyard.
Two sources reported that floors two through five in corridors four through seven of the sprawling Pentagon complex have been locked down. A third source told CNN that police inside the building are wearing gas masks and full chemical protective gear.
The incident remains under investigation, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.