Roll Call is reporting that a suspicious package, which arrived at the Dirksen building earlier this afternoon forcing several floors to be evacuated. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms stated that the northwest entrance is closed until further notice:
The USCP received a phone call reporting a suspicious package in room SD-G40 in the Dirksen Senate Office Building (DSOB),” police said. “Several floors in the D?SOB have been evacuated as a precaution while the USCP continues to investigate.”
Floors 2, 3 and 4 of Dirksen were closed to staff and visitors, according to officers at the door of the first floor, who continued to screen visitors and staff entering the building.
The partial evacuation interrupted a hearing into the Transportation Security Administration.
Due to police activity, portions of Dirksen being evacuated. NW Door closed until further notice. Staff & visitors, avoid the area. #Senate
— SenateSergeantAtArms (@SenateSAA) June 9, 2015UPDATE: Dirksen building given the all clear, but White House press briefing was cut short due to an undisclosed threat. Secret Service have evacuated the room.
Police activity in the Dirksen #Senate building all clear. Norhtwest Door is now open. Thank you staff and visitors for your cooperation.
— SenateSergeantAtArms (@SenateSAA) June 9, 2015