White House put on lockdown after jets scrambled over ‘unauthorised’ aircraft
The White House was placed on lockdown today after an 'uncontactable' aircraft sparked panic in the US capital.
CNBC reported earlier that an airspace violation had been reported, causing a swift defensive reaction from US authorities.
NBC reported earlier that North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) had tasked aircraft to respond to the security alert amid today's brief but dramatic lockdown response.
Reporters trying to enter the White House were told there was an 'emergency,' tweeting that agents have issues 'shelter' orders and begun blocking roads around the Capitol in Washington DC.
Multiple reports said the lockdown had been lifted shortly after the reports of a "small" aircraft entering restricted airspace prompted authorities to mount the major emergency response.
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Citing law enforcement sources FOX News reported that an aircraft moving east violated restricted airspace over Washington DC about 8.30am, local time.
The report triggered road closures and orders to 'shelter' around Capitol Hill.
An official told CNN the aircraft “is not known to be hostile at this time.”
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Those already in the White House had been told to stay put, according to tweets from multiple reporters at the scene.
There were also reports that a security alert was raised at the Capitol building.
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Early US reports said all federal buildings were being evacuated.
Reporters in the White House briefing room were tweeting that it had been locked.
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Some reporters were evacuated to the White House's North Lawn.
Roads in downtown DC were closed to traffic as authorities rushed to respond to the reports.
The White House was locked down this morning due to a potential violation of the restricted airspace in the National Capital Region,” a Secret Service spokesman told CNBC in a statement.
The emergency was resolved within around half-an-hour.
US authorities have yet to release more information about the aircraft that sparked the emergency.
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