Republican headquarters in Washington D.C. evacuated after receiving blood vials

WASHINGTON — The headquarters of the Republican National Committee in Washington, D.C., was briefly evacuated on Wednesday morning after a suspicious package containing two vials of blood was delivered to the building, the police said.

The RNC, the parent organization of the Republican Party, is playing a major role in the campaign of former President Donald Trump, who will face Democratic incumbent Joe Biden in the Nov. 5 election.

The authorities initially closed off one downtown block and directed staff and other personnel to avoid the area. By mid-morning, employees were re-entering the building, and police were leaving the scene, according to a Reuters witness.

"The source of the package and its contents will be further investigated," the US Capitol Police said in a statement.

This morning, we responded to the 300 block of First Street, SE, for the report of a suspicious package. The package was cleared by our Hazardous Incident Response Division. It contained two vials of blood. The source of the package & its contents will be further investigated. pic.twitter.com/3kkBiNh0ry

— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) May 22, 2024

The RNC did not respond to a request for comment. — Reuters