Russell Senate Office Building Evacuation
11:40 p.m.

At approximately 6:30 p.m. the Russell Senate Office Building was evacuated due to a nerve agent alarm in the attic of the Russell Senate Office Building. Occupants of the building were evacuated to the West Legislative Garage. Initial tests for a nerve agent were positive for the presence of a hazardous substance. Additional testing for a possible nerve agent proved negative. There were no reports of adverse symptoms that would indicate any exposure to a nerve agent.

All test results for anything of a hazardous nature were negative and the Russell Senate Office Building was cleared for re-entry at approximately 9:40 p.m.

The United States Capitol Police and our Hazardous Materials Response Team worked well with great cooperation from the Congressional community and staff, and law enforcement agencies that assisted in the response effort.

If you have any questions or concerns pertaining to this release please contact the United States Capitol Police Public Information Office at 202-224-1677.