WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington offices of the Republican National Committee (RNC) were briefly evacuated Wednesday as police investigated two vials of blood sent to former President Donald Trump following the takeover of the national party apparatus by of the virtual presidential candidate.
Following the discovery of the vials, hazardous materials teams were called in, according to the US Capitol Police, who said they would continue investigating. It is not known if anyone came into contact with the blood or who it belonged to.
The vials were aimed at Trump, according to a person familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak publicly about it. It is not known if they were accompanied by a message explaining why they were sent.
Michael Whatley, president of the RNC, regretted the “disgusting attack” but did not provide further details.
“We are grateful to law enforcement agencies who responded quickly and ensured everyone’s safety. “The lockdown has been lifted and staff have resumed work in the office because we were unintimidated and undeterred in our efforts to bring President Trump to the White House,” Whatley said in a statement.
The US Secret Service has not responded to messages seeking comment. The Metropolitan Police Department and the local fire department referred comments to Capitol Police.
On Wednesday morning, Capitol Police issued a statement urging people to avoid the block where the RNC is located, a short walk southeast of the Capitol. The official in charge of maintaining order in the House of Representatives and the chief official in charge of law enforcement and protocol of that body sent information advising the imposition of traffic restrictions in the area “due to law enforcement activity in the RNC.”
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Kinnard reported from Columbia, South Carolina, and Price from New York. Associated Press writers Ashraf Khalil and Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.
