Pentagon lockdown LIVE: Evacuation and shelter in place order as Hazmat teams storm in

5 days ago 13

Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.

The Pentagon has been evacuated.

17:14, Thu, Jun 11, 2026 Updated: 17:15, Thu, Jun 11, 2026

Aerial View of the Pentagon

Pentagon (Image: Getty)

The Pentagon has suddenly been locked down and evacuated amid an incident. Hazmat crews were dispatched to the Pentagon after a hazardous materials incident occurred hours ahead of the World Cup kickoff.

Multiple floors and corridors have been cleared, while access to other areas was restricted. Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell told The Express that an air quality issue inside the headquarters of the United States Department of Defence has been detected. He added that a "shelter-in-place order has been issued for the affected areas of the building".

Mr Parnell said: "The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. Those systems have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance.

"The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants."

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8 mins ago17:14 Lauran O'Toole

Pentagon Force Protection Agency’s hazmat team takes lead on response

Pentagon Force Protection Agency’s hazmat team, which has taken the lead on the response, according to the department.

15 mins ago17:07 Lauran O'Toole

Pentagon lockdown 'due to a false alarm'

The Pentagon lockdown was "due to a false alarm", sources told CNN.

17 mins ago17:05 Lauran O'Toole

How many people work in the Pentagon?

Around 26,000 military and civilian eployees work inside the building, along with 3,000 non-defence support workers.

Pentagon view from Potomac River. Pentagon exterior with marina foreground. Pentagon building near boats. Pentagon United States defense site.

Around 26,000 people work inside the building (Image: Getty)

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28 mins ago16:54 Lauran O'Toole

Hazmat crews spotted outside the Pentagon

Hazmat crews have been spotted outside the Pentagon amid the ongoing incident.

Hazmat crews have been spotted outside the Pentagon

Hazmat crews have been spotted outside the Pentagon (Image: ABC)

31 mins ago16:51 Lauran O'Toole

Police flood area as officers seen wearing gas masks.

Police have been spotted police wearing protective gear, including gas masks, according to CNN.

35 mins ago16:47 Lauran O'Toole

'Remain clear of the area', Pentagon’s security team warn

In a message Pentagon’s security team are warning people to "remain clear of the area".

"Further instructions will be provided. Thank you for your patience and cooperation", the message added.

40 mins ago16:42 Lauran O'Toole

Security team warns Pentagon testing could take up to two hours

A message sent by the Pentagon’s security team says that an "air quality issue" has been decteted and additional testing is required.

“This additional testing could take one to two hours.

Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants if necessary.

ou may observe response personnel from multiple agencies and precautionary measures taking place in the center courtyard. Please do not interpret these activities,” the message said.

45 mins ago16:37 Lauran O'Toole

What floors have been locked down?

Sources say authorities have locked down floors two through five in corridors four through seven of the sprawling Pentagon complex.

Aerial view of the Pentagon complex with surrounding roads, parking and greenery. g

Floors two through five are under lockdown (Image: Getty)

49 mins ago16:33 Lauran O'Toole

Fire crews responding to 'a hazardous materials incident'

The Arlington Fire and EMS Department wrote on X:

"ACFD units, including our Hazardous Materials Team, are currently operating at the Pentagon in support of PFPA’s Hazmat Team during a hazardous materials incident."

ACFD units, including our Hazardous Materials Team, are currently operating at the Pentagon in support of PFPA\u2019s Hazmat Team during a hazardous materials incident. pic.twitter.com/7qzOzbwh8W

\u2014 Arlington Fire & EMS (@ArlingtonVaFD) June 11, 2026

50 mins ago16:32 Lauran O'Toole

Hazardous Materials Team at scene

The Arlington Fire and EMS Department has confirmed that their Hazardous Materials Team are at the scene.

55 mins ago16:27 Lauran O'Toole

Shelter-in-place order issued

A "shelter-in-place order has been issued for the affected areas of the building".

57 mins ago16:25 Lauran O'Toole

Pentagon release statement

Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell told the Express:

"The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants.

"Those systems have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance. The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area.

"Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants."

1 hour ago16:20 Lauran O'Toole