Panic in DC: Biden Inaugural Rehearsal Evacuated Over Fire Blocks from Capitol …Update: Was Fire at Homeless Camp

 The rehearsal at the Capitol Monday morning for Wednesday’s inauguration of Joe Biden was evacuated by officials who told participants “this is not a drill.” The rehearsal had been postponed one day due to security concerns.

Photos and video show the panicked fleeing of the rehearsal:

Today’s Inaugural Rehearsal had to be called off. The terrorists are winning. pic.twitter.com/ncMVJ1roiv

— Barbara Malmet (@B52Malmet) January 18, 2021

Warnings were given over loudspeakers, “BREAKING: Smoke can be seen rising near the U.S. Capitol building. An announcement has gone out over the loud speaker telling people to stay away from doors and windows due to an external security threat”

Excerpt from AP report: “Participants were ushered from the West Front of the Capitol. Those who had gathered for a walk-through, including a military band, were directed to head indoors and moved in the direction of a secure location inside the Capitol complex. People involved in the rehearsal said security officials yelled “this is not a drill.” The U.S. Secret Service, which is in charge of security for the inauguration, said there was no threat to the public.”

Apparently the fire was at a homeless encampment under a bridge several blocks south of the Capitol.

More photos and video:

Propane tanks in homeless camp suspected: “BREAKING: Guard source tells me a propane tank exploded at a homeless camp near the Capitol. Several other propane tanks have been spotted laying around and are being investigated by police.”

Witnessed it, this is correct. Series of small explosions constant with small propane tank rupture pic.twitter.com/S4LsRww0DE

— Nate Taylor (@NateTaylorDC) January 18, 2021