US Pentagon placed under lockdown over suspected hazardous material scare, later declared false alarm

The headquarters of the Department of Defence in the Pentagon was reportedly placed under a lockdown after the suspected hazardous material spread in the air, which a Pentagon spokesman later confirmed to be a false alarm. 

In a post on X, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell informed that a hazardous material was detected in part of the building, saying, “Those systems have detected an air quality issue."

He also confirmed that regarding the issue ‘necessitating precautionary’ measures have been taken until they determine its significance.

Following the incident, Arlington Fire & EMS fire department reached the spot. “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, ” said Parnell..

Later, Parnell confirmed that it was a false alarm and no hazardous substance detected in testing, saying, "Subsequent testing confirmed no hazard exists, and normal operations have resumed.”

He also praised the ‘first responders’ who have taken swift action to ensure the safety of personnel.

“The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area,” he concluded.