US Capitol briefly shut down over fire 2 days before Biden inauguration

January 18, 2021 22:00

The US Capitol was shut down temporarily on Monday out of an abundance of caution after a fire broke out near the complex, the Capitol Police said, underscoring security jitters days before President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

"There is no threat to the public," the US Secret Service said in a tweet.

The US Capitol Police said in a statement that members and staff were advised to shelter in place while the incident was being investigated.

All participants in the rehearsal for Biden's inauguration, were evacuated into the building, and participants were being held in the Capitol rotunda and other indoor areas, according to a Reuters witness. Biden will be sworn in on Wednesday.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Real Madrid book Champions League final date with Dortmund

This sets up Real Madrid final against Borussia Dortmund, who knocked out Paris Saint-Germain in the other semi-final.

Missing 'Tarak Mehta' actor Gurucharan Singh operated over 10 bank accounts

50-year-old Singh is believed to have been visiting his parents in Delhi and was expected to return to Mumbai. However, the actor has not been heard from since April 22.

Salman home firing: HC nod for 2nd PM of accused who died in police custody

The direction came on a petition filed by Anuj Kumar's mother Reeta Devi, who sought a fresh examination.

Salman home firing: Shooters unaware of target until ....., say police

The Mumbai police's crime branch, during the interrogation of the duo, found Pal and Gupta were given the shooting task by Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, but they had no idea they had to fire at...

Chaos at airports as Air India Express cancels 100 flights; 15K flyers hit

Discontent has been brewing among a section of the cabin crew at the low-cost carrier for some time now, especially after the start of the process of merger of AIX Connect, formerly AirAsia India, with itself.