US Capitol Evacuated Over Unauthorized Aircraft In Airspace

Update: NBC News reports that the plane that prompted US Capitol evacuation was a Piedmont Airlines Flight that was out of radio contact briefly, plane has now landed.

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The U.S. Capitol Police ordered a evacuation of the Capitol building and other government offices minutes ago when an unauthorized aircraft entered the protected DC airspace.

An email to Capitol staff, subject line "AIRCON RED," reads as follows:

Subject: AIRCON RED - Evacuation of main Campus

This is a message from the U.S. Capitol Police.

1. An unauthorized aircraft has entered restricted air space.

2. Evacuate immediately the Capitol, CHOB, LHOB and RHOB buildings.

3. Remain calm and move in a safe manner to the exits.

4. Close doors behind you, but do not lock. Avoid using elevators.

5. Proceed south to an alternate assembly area.

6. Check-in with your Office Emergency Coordinator at the alternate assembly

area.

7. Ford Building personnel remain inside the Ford building.