U.S. Capitol Police launched an investigation on Wednesday after a package, containing two vials of blood addressed to former President Donald Trump, was delivered to the Republican National Committee’s headquarters in Washington, not far from Capitol Hill.
The suspicious parcel was left on the steps of the RNC headquarters at one point during the morning, forcing everyone inside the building to evacuate.
The Capitol Police Department’s Hazardous Incident Response Division was called to the scene at about 7:45 a.m., according to a statement from authorities. They cleared the package and the building some two hours later. The RNC in a statement subsequently confirmed all staffers had returned to work.
The RNC chairman, Michael Whatley, condemned the “revolting attack,” but did not provide further details.
“We are thankful to law enforcement, who responded quickly and ensured everyone’s safety,” he said in a statement. “The lockdown has been cleared and staff has resumed their office duties because we remain unintimidated and undeterred in our efforts to elect President Trump to the White House.”
It’s unclear whether anyone came in contact with the vials of blood, which were sealed. The package also contained leaking ice packs, two sources with knowledge of the situation told Politico.
Police said the package’s contents remained under investigation.
Earlier Wednesday, the Capitol Police issued a statement advising people to avoid the block where the RNC is located. The House sergeant-at-arms, the U.S. House of Representatives’ chief law enforcement and protocol officer, also sent out information regarding traffic restrictions in the area “due to law enforcement activity at the RNC.”
It comes just two months before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is slated to become the party’s official 2024 nominee.
With News Wire Services
