A bomb squad and Secret Service agents descended on the U.S. Treasury Building after a suspicious package was discovered just 500 meters from the White House, forcing evacuations and road closures throughout the area.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Treasury Building and Hotel Washington were evacuated following discovery of a suspicious package near the White House,
- The Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team responded, bringing officers equipped with bomb suits.
- Multiple roads were closed during the investigation, including 17th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, causing significant disruption in downtown Washington.
- Authorities ultimately deemed the scene safe, though some road closures remained in effect.
- No injuries were reported during the security incident.
Swift Response to Potential Threat
The United States Secret Service responded to reports of a suspicious package near the White House triggering immediate security protocols in one of America’s most heavily protected areas. The call came in and authorities quickly established a security perimeter at 17th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, approximately 500 meters from the White House. As a precautionary measure, both the Treasury Building and the adjacent Hotel Washington were evacuated while investigators assessed the potential threat.
I’m not sure what’s happening outside the Treasury Department right now
The entire block is shut down to vehicle and pedestrian traffic
And a b@mb suit has been brought out pic.twitter.com/2prnEeFrNT
— Phil Holloway ✈️ (@PhilHollowayEsq) April 3, 2025
A major police presence enveloped the entire block surrounding the Treasury Department as the Metropolitan Police Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team arrived at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing officers carrying bomb suits, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities were treating the situation. The quick and comprehensive response highlighted the well-established protocols in place for handling security threats in the nation’s capital, particularly those near sensitive government facilities.
Traffic Disruptions Throughout Downtown
The security response caused significant disruptions to downtown Washington traffic patterns as authorities closed multiple streets in the vicinity. Road closures included 17th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW at 15th Street NW, from New York Avenue NW to E Street NW, and 17th Street from Pennsylvania to E Street. These closures effectively sealed off a substantial portion of downtown Washington near the White House complex, creating traffic challenges for commuters and visitors alike.
While authorities worked to resolve the situation, travelers were advised to avoid the area completely and seek alternative routes through the central business district. Some road closures remained in effect as authorities continued to process the scene, even after the all-clear had been given. The Metropolitan Police Department worked to manage traffic flow around the affected areas throughout the day.
Resolution of the Incident
After a thorough investigation by the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, authorities determined that the suspicious package did not pose an active threat. The scene was declared safe, allowing for the gradual resumption of normal operations in the affected buildings. Evacuees from the Treasury Building and Hotel Washington were permitted to return once officials confirmed there was no danger.
No injuries were reported in connection with the incident, and authorities have not yet released specific details about the nature of the suspicious package or what prompted the initial concern. The swift resolution of the security scare demonstrated the effectiveness of the multi-agency coordination that is standard practice for handling potential threats in Washington’s high-security zones. The incident serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance maintained around key government facilities in the nation’s capital.
Sources:
Bomb squad swoop after suspicious package found near Treasury Department in Washington D.C
Treasury, hotel evacuated after ‘suspicious package’ reported near White House
Treasury Building Evacuates After Suspicious Package Found Near White House
