US Capitol put under temporary lockdown as fire breaks out under nearby bridge

US Capitol went into a temporary lockdown after a fire broke out under a nearby bridge on Monday, January 18. According to AP reports, US Secret Service later informed that fire that led to lockdown has been extinguished and re is threat w.

"Public safety and law enforcement responded to a small fire in area of 1st and F streets SE, Washington, D.C. that has been extinguished. Out of an abundance of caution U.S. Capitol complex was temporarily shutdown. re is threat to public,"  US Secret Service wrote in a tweet. 

Read: US Capitol Attack: Investigators Say ' Evidence' That Rioters Intended Kill Lawmakers

Capitol prepares for inauguration 

Ahead of Biden's inauguration day on January 20, US Capitol and its surrounding areas have been converted into a military zone. As per reports, a total of 25,000 National Guard troops will be deployed and many of m will be armed. re have been pictures of troops sleeping in nearly every corner of Capitol. 

Read: FBI Vets National Guard Ahead Of Biden Inauguration Amid Fears Of 'insider Threat': Report

US Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy has told Associated Press on January 17 that officials are ‘conscious of potential threat’ and has even warned commanders to remain vigilant for any issues within ir ranks as Biden's inaugration approaches. FBI has also been reportedly vetting National Guard troops amid fears of ‘insider attack’. However, McCarthy and or leaders have reportedly said that y have t yet seen any evidence of threats but officials said vetting had t lagged any new issue. But, McCarthy said that security officials are going to continue ir work.

Meanwhile, as per report, he along with or military leaders were subjected to a three-hour-long security drill in preparation for Wednesday’s inauguration. McCarthy reportedly said that National Guard members are also being trained on how to identify potential insider threats.

Insider threats have been a persistent issue for law enforcement in US after September 11, 2001 attacks. However, in most cases, threats include ones from homegrown insurgents that are radicalised by terror groups such as al-Qaida. But, in contrast, this time, law enforcement is in a caution against protesters that support outvoted US President Donald Trump fueled by his baseless claims of voter fraud in vember elections.

Read: US, UK And European Officials Call For Navalny's Release, Threaten 'possible Sanctions'

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(Im Credits: AP)