Police have evacuated the US Capitol and the visitors’ centre.
Capitol police provided no explanation for the move, simply saying it was an emergency.
In a message to congressional offices, police said “an evacuation has been ordered for US Capitol Visitor Centre due to an audible alarm. Remain calm and move in a safe manner to the exits”.
The scene inside the US Capitol after visitors were told to evacuate and then told not to - @MEPFuller https://t.co/XDB6A5Y0WZ
— Stop Socialism UK 🇬🇧 (@StopSocialismUK) May 26, 2015
Hundreds of tourists were forced out of the building on to the East Lawn between the Capitol and the Library of Congress.
Police have evacuated the US Capitol & visitors' center "due to an audible alarm" http://t.co/QBFDgBZA4P #liveonFOX45 pic.twitter.com/NXymsF7hpi
— FOX Baltimore (@FOXBaltimore) May 26, 2015
Fink Arthur, a 28-year-old tourist from Freiborg, Germany, said he was with a tour guide and was initially told it was probably just a test but then the guide led them out of the building.