Cannon House Office Building Cleared: Report

WASHINGTON, DC -- An alarm scare set hundreds of staffers spilling into the streets outside of the Cannon House Office Building across the street from the U.S. Capitol on Thursday morning.

Matt Bonaccorsi, communications director for Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), tweeted at 11:51 a.m. that alarms went off and everyone was told to evacuate immediately.

In about an hour, the all-clear was given and staff was let back in the building with no word on what prompted the alarm.

From prior drills & false alarms I can say that police tape going up is not something that usually happens. pic.twitter.com/MCVrAhaVdU
— Matt Bonaccorsi (@MattBonaccorsi) October 25, 2018

The evacuation comes as the city remains on edge in the wake of multiple pipe bombs that were mailed to prominent opponents of President Trump, including new ones that were sent to former Vice President Joe Biden and actor Robert de Niro. However, there is no indication that this incident was connected.

An email to staffers from security indicated that the evacuation was due to an "audible alarm." There were no further details available.

The evacuation was likely due to the fire alarm, but it's not clear what caused it, The Hill reported.

Cannon House Office Building being evacuated right now. No details. Alarms went off and we were told to evacuate immediately.
— Matt Bonaccorsi (@MattBonaccorsi) October 25, 2018

Image via Google Maps