A suspicious package found Monday on the East Plaza of the U.S. Capitol briefly turned a regular afternoon into a security drill, shutting down the Capitol Visitor Center screening areas and closing several nearby streets. The report came in around 12:30 p.m., and staffers, tourists and anyone else nearby were told to steer clear of the East Plaza while investigators swept the area. The investigation was still active into Monday afternoon as crews methodically checked the scene.
What Officials Are Saying
U.S. Capitol Police told FOX 5 DC that the package was discovered on the East Plaza, and that people in the area were urged to avoid that side of the Capitol while the probe continued. Officers did not immediately share any details about what the package contained or where it might have come from, according to FOX 5 DC.
Capitol Hill Has Seen This Before
For regulars on the Hill, sudden shutdowns over unattended bags or odd-looking boxes are practically part of the backdrop. In March 2016, two unattended packages near the Visitor Center triggered similar closures and screening suspensions, with streets blocked off and security ramped up, as reported by The Washington Post.
Roads Blocked, Screenings Halted
In Monday’s incident, authorities shut down First Street between Constitution Avenue NE and Independence Avenue SE, as well as East Capitol Street between First and Second Streets. Both the north and south screening areas of the Capitol Visitor Center were taken offline while the checks were underway. The north and south barricades at the Capitol Building itself were also closed as teams conducted sweeps, FOX 5 DC reported.
Why Police Move So Quickly
U.S. Capitol Police has been handling a rising number of threat and suspicious-package reports in recent years, and its Threat Assessment Section investigated 14,938 concerning statements, behaviors and communications in 2025. The department says it has expanded its protective-intelligence work and strengthened partnerships with other law enforcement agencies so it can move fast when a possible threat pops up, according to a USCP press release.
Investigators remained on scene Monday and said the investigation was ongoing. Until officials issue an all-clear, people are being told to stay away from the East Plaza, and more details could be released once the probe wraps up.
