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US Capitol ‘evacuated due to security threat’ caused by nearby fire during Presidential inauguration rehearsal

<p>The US Capitol is seen in Washington</p> (AFP via Getty Images)

The US Capitol is seen in Washington

(AFP via Getty Images)

The US Capitol complex was put under lockdown in response to an “external security threat” caused by a nearby fire, amid heightened fears of violence in the wake of the January 6 attack.

A video posted on Twitter on Monday showed smoke billowing from behind the building, where rehearsals were taking place for Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday.

Jessi Turnure, a reporter with Nexstar, wrote: “BREAKING: The U.S. Capitol and surrounding House and Senate offices are on lockdown. Loud speakers warned of an “exterior threat” as my coworker and I were walking to get COVID-19 tests ahead of Inauguration Day. #NexstarDC.

“Security officials are evacuating inauguration rehearsal participants on the West Front of the Capitol. We’ve been told to stay in place by Russell. #NexstarDC.”

The Secret Service said the Capitol complex was temporarily shut down while emergency services responded to a “small fire”.

“Public safety and law enforcement responded to a small fire in the area of 1st and F streets SE, Washington, D.C. that has been extinguished,” said the Secret Service.

“Out of an abundance of caution the U.S. Capitol complex was temporarily shutdown. There is no threat to the public.”

It comes less than two weeks after a violent mob of Donald Trump supporters and extremists descended on the Capitol, storming the building as members of congress gathered to certify Mr Biden’s election victory.

Five people were killed in the attack, including a US Capitol Police officer.

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