Brief evacuation at Capitol over small plane


By the Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The US Capitol and its office buildings were briefly evacuated amid concerns about a small aircraft in the area. Officials say the plane violated airspace rules in the restricted area on Tuesday.

The US Capitol is seen on September 9, 2019 in Washington, DC as Congress returns from its summer recess (AFP Photo/MANDEL NGAN) The US Capitol (AFP Photo / MANDEL NGAN / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

The evacuations were ordered as a precaution and lasted about half an hour.

The US Secret Service says personnel at the White House were told to remain in place.

Capitol Police sent a notification of a potential threat shortly after 8:30 a.m., and the evacuations were ordered. People were allowed back in after about 30 minutes.