WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Capitol was briefly evacuated last night after after police spotted an aircraft they believed posed “a probable threat.” But the plane was actually carrying members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights who parachuted into Nationals Park for a pregame event. The alert sent Hill staffers fleeing the Capitol and legislative buildings that are part of the complex. While there’s relief there was no danger, the incident suggests a stunning communications failure between the military, the FAA and Capitol Police. That’s remarkable given the renewed focus on security since last year’s Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by backers of then-President Donald Trump. The alert last night was sounded around 6:30 p.m. and the all-clear was given about 90 minutes later.
Photo: The U.S. Army Parachute Team the Golden Knights descend into National Park before a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the Arizona Diamondbacks Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Washington. The U.S. Capitol was briefly evacuated after police said they were tracking an aircraft “that poses a probable threat,” but the plane turned out to be the military aircraft with people parachuting out of it for a demonstration at the Nationals game, officials told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
