In early January, a pipe bomb was left at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington DC, a day before pro-Trump supporters staged violent riots at the US Capitol.
Police have been involved in negotiations with the alleged bomb suspect outside the Library of Congress on Capitol Hill, Washington DC.
According to law enforcement officers, they do not know the motive of the suspect yet.
“We are in communication with the suspect… We don’t know what his motives are at this time…We do have possible name and identity of the suspect,” Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger said in a press briefing.
USCP Chief Manger provides brief update:
-MAN pulled up in front of LOC today, said he had a bomb, displayed what looked like a detonator
-They know his name and other info but DO NOT know motives, per chief
-NEGOTIATIONS w/ him are ongoing
— Heather Caygle (@heatherscope) August 19, 2021
On bomb threat near Library of Congress, @PeteWilliamsNBC: “He is from North Carolina, and they say he is expressing anti-government views. My understanding is they looked into his history, and he does have some criminal violations in his past…” (1/3) #AMRstaff
— Andrea Mitchell (@mitchellreports) August 19, 2021
The truck was seen outside the Library of Congress on Capitol Hill on Thursday morning and police say they reason to believe it may be carrying an explosive device. The Supreme Court building, along with several other nearby buildings, have also been evacuated as officers swarm. pic.twitter.com/5QaCv7n3Uw
— Rasta Redpill (@RastaRedpill) August 19, 2021
It was also reported that the suspect had been doing a live stream on Facebook but the platform has already removed the footage.
Facebook take down live stream of Man who claims he has bomb in SUV near the Library of Congress, across from the U.S. Capitol. Says he’s ex serviceman https://t.co/povUWHfM9s
— Zora Suleman (@ZoraSuleman) August 19, 2021
Earlier in the day, AP reported that police were investigating a report of a possible explosive device in a car outside the Library.
The area around the building was evacuated. Washington transport authorities alerted customers about traffic changes related to the incident. Several bus routes experience delays and possible detours, while metro trains on three lines bypassing Capital South station, they said.
The officials, who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity, said that investigators were working to find out if the device was an operable explosive.
The US Capitol police took to Twitter to warn citizens against walking in the area until further notice.
NOW: The USCP is responding to a suspicious vehicle near the Library of Congress.
Please stay away from this area and follow this account for the latest information. pic.twitter.com/LMBYBTJn4t
— U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) August 19, 2021
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