“The Pentagon’s security system has detected an air quality problem that requires preventive measures,” Department spokesman Sean Parnell said on the X network.
In the ministry building, where more than 20,000 employees work, as the BBC server recalled, the Pentagon Protection Agency’s hazardous substance spill response team and firefighters are also involved.
“Testing will take one to two hours. Response teams are on site and ready to provide assistance to those in the building if needed,” CNN quoted an internal notice to ministry employees as saying.
“In the inner courtyard, you can see workers from various departments and you can witness the implementation of preventive measures. Please do not make any assumptions about these activities,” the ministry’s management warned in the announcement.
Two independent sources from the Pentagon also told CNN that the second through fifth floors in corridors four and seven were closed in the building. A third source claimed that the police officers in the building were wearing gas masks and complete chemical protective suits. Later, sources agreed that it was a false alarm.
