Sean Parnell said in a statement that systems in the Pentagon “have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance.”
Portions of the Pentagon went into lockdown on Friday after there was a report of a "hazardous materials incident" at the military building.
"ACFD units, including our Hazardous Materials Team, are currently operating at the Pentagon in support of PFPA’s Hazmat Team during a hazardous materials incident," the Arlington County Fire and EMS said in a post to X.
https://twitter.com/ArlingtonVaFD/status/2065082106326188488?s=20
Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement that systems in the Pentagon "have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance."
https://twitter.com/seanparnellasw/status/2065098253410996719?s=46
Parnell added, "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."
According to ABC7, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency's hazardous materials response team is responding to the incident along with the Arlington County Fire Department. A statement from the Pentagon's security team said that additional testing on the air quality issue will be needed.
"This additional testing could take one to two hours. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants if necessary. You may observe response personnel from multiple agencies and precautionary measures taking place in the center courtyard. Please do not interpret these activities."
https://twitter.com/FaulknerFocus/status/2065090672453951841?s=20
According to the outlet, the floors that were locked down and include two through five in corridors four through seven of the Pentagon complex. Police were seen in the building wearing gas masks as well as full chemical protection gear.
Parnell later confirmed that there was no hazard in the building. In a statement he said, "Earlier this morning, Pentagon occupants were notified of a potential air quality issue, prompting immediate precautionary safety measures and evaluation. Subsequent testing confirmed no hazard exists, and normal operations have resumed. We express our sincere appreciation to the first responders for their swift actions to ensure the safety of all personnel."
https://twitter.com/SeanParnellASW/status/2065124744463057309?s=20
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