Pentagon partially evacuated after anthrax sensor false alarm

The Pentagon was partially evacuated and placed under a shelter-in-place order after a sensor falsely detected the possible presence of anthrax, leading to a hazardous materials response before testing found no hazard, according to officials and CNN.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said occupants were notified Thursday morning of a potential air quality issue, and officials immediately put precautionary safety measures in place while the building was evaluated.

The Department of War carried out standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area.

“The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants,” Parnell said before the all-clear was given. “Those systems have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance.”

CNN, citing first responder radio traffic and a source familiar with the incident, reported that the response was triggered when a sensor system detected the possible presence of anthrax. A source familiar with the matter told the network that the sensor system was malfunctioning, causing a false alarm.

A message sent to Pentagon employees said people in parts of floors 2 through 5, between corridors 4 and 7 and in A through E rings, needed to remain in place while additional testing was conducted.

Offices in the affected area included the Navy’s main public affairs office and the Secretary of the Army’s office, according to CNN.

Arlington Fire & EMS said its units, including a hazardous materials team, responded to the Pentagon to support the Pentagon Force Protection Agency’s hazmat team during the incident.

“Subsequent testing confirmed no hazard exists, and normal operations have resumed,” Parnell said in an update. “We express our sincere appreciation to the first responders for their swift actions to ensure the safety of all personnel.”