According to three informed sources and the local fire department, several floors and corridors within the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) were shut down, with other areas being evacuated due to an incident involving "hazardous materials," as reported by CNN.
On Thursday, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that systems within the building "detected an air quality issue that necessitated precautionary measures until the extent of its seriousness could be determined."
Parnell added that the department is implementing "standard protection protocols," including a shelter-in-place order for affected areas, noting that response teams are on-site and prepared to support building occupants.
The Arlington County Fire Department stated that the Pentagon Force Protection Agency's hazardous materials response team is handling the incident with assistance from the county fire department.
Two sources mentioned that the second to fifth floors, in corridors four to seven within the sprawling Pentagon complex, were closed. A third source told CNN that police inside the building are wearing protective masks and full chemical protective suits.