Pentagon Enacts Precautionary Shelter-in-Place and Lock-down After Internal Systems Detect Air Quality Issue

WASHINGTON — Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed June 11 that sophisticated building systems detected an air quality issue at the Pentagon, triggering standard protection protocols that include a shelter-in-place order for the affected area along with hazmat team deployment.

Multiple floors and corridors inside the Pentagon were locked down while others were evacuated. The Pentagon Force Protection Agency hazmat team responded with support from Arlington County Fire and EMS units. No injuries were reported in available accounts.

The measures are characterized as precautionary while testing determines the significance of the detection. The incident remains developing with no announced resolution or identified cause.

Hazmat Teams Respond To The Scene In Support Of Pentagon Force Protection Agency Response

Standard protection protocols went into effect following the system detection. Hazmat teams operated at the scene in support of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency response.

Arlington County Fire and EMS provided assistance including its Hazardous Materials Team. The situation involves ongoing evaluation of the air quality issue with response teams positioned to support building occupants.

Official Statements

• Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, June 11: “The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. Those systems have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance.”

• “The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants.”

• Arlington County Fire Department: “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.”