Pentagon on lockdown due to 'hazardous materials incident'

Pentagon on lockdown due to ‘hazardous materials incident’

June 11, 2026/
Spread the love

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch
The Center Square

The Pentagon is on lockdown, with hazmat on site after air-quality issues were detected, possibly hazardous material found inside the heart of America’s defense industry.

Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, released a statement regarding the incident.

“The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. Those systems have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance,” the statement read. “The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants.”

Arlington Fire and EMS confirmed the department’s Hazardous Materials Team was on scene in support of a “hazardous materials incident.”

The Pentagon, located in Arlington, Va., comprises over 6.5 million square feet and over 17 miles of corridors, making it the largest low-rise office building in the world, with over 20,000 people working there.

Part of the Pentagon was struck during the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, killing 189 people.

This is a developing story.

More Stories
Weather Full forecast →
⚠️ Hydrologic Outlook issued June 16 at 2:44AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Today Jun 15
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
72° 55°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

💨 15 to 20 mph 💧 63%
Data: National Weather Service • Updated Jun 16, 8:58 AM Full Forecast →
Site Sections

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Virginia voters approve redistricting amendment, potentially flipping 4 seats

Virginia voters approve redistricting amendment, potentially flipping 4 seats

By Shirleen GuerraThe Center Square Virginia voters approved a constitutional amendment Tuesday that could reshape the state’s representation in the U.S. House of Representatives and majority control coming out of...

WATCH: Millionaire tax critic says AGO, Dems played politics instead of protecting residents

By TJ MartinellThe Center Square Emails obtained by The Center Square between the Washington Attorney General and Democratic leaders show Nick Brown's staff was playing politics instead of protecting the...
IL Supreme Court can’t just oust judges over speech: New filing

IL Supreme Court can’t just oust judges over speech: New filing

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square CHICAGO — The Illinois Supreme Court can't both overstep the bounds of their constitutional authority by ousting a judge for publicly supporting...
Illinois Republicans say Dems' redistricting amendment would create more corrupt maps

Illinois Republicans say Dems’ redistricting amendment would create more corrupt maps

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A newly proposed Illinois constitutional amendment would change the way legislative and representative districts are drawn in...
Vote postponed on Southwest congressmen's wildfire bill

Vote postponed on Southwest congressmen’s wildfire bill

By Derek DraplinThe Center Square The Center Square) – Members of Congress debated a bill on Tuesday that would change how the federal government handles air quality monitoring influenced by...
Trump's $1.5 trillion military budget: What taxpayers are getting

Trump’s $1.5 trillion military budget: What taxpayers are getting

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Pentagon's top budget official said Tuesday that the agency's failure to pass eight consecutive audits shouldn't stop Congress from approving the largest military budget...
DOJ indicts Southern Poverty Law Center on wire, bank fraud charges

DOJ indicts Southern Poverty Law Center on wire, bank fraud charges

By Dan McCalebThe Center Square A federal grand jury on Tuesday indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center on 11 counts of wire and bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money...
Ceasefire extended, fractured Iranian government cited

Ceasefire extended, fractured Iranian government cited

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square With hours left before the two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran was set to expire, President Donald Trump has extended it, citing a “seriously...
Lawmakers call for AI in financial literacy, systems

Lawmakers call for AI in financial literacy, systems

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Lawmakers and industry leaders proposed implementing artificial intelligence to address gaps in financial literacy across the country. The lawmakers spoke at Axios’ Financial Confidence event...
FTC probe into APA urged over contradictory stances on gender-affirming care for minors

FTC probe into APA urged over contradictory stances on gender-affirming care for minors

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Medical group Do No Harm sent a letter Monday to the Federal Trade Commission urging an investigation into the American Psychological Association, accusing APA of...
Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from U.S. House

Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from U.S. House

By Merrilee GasserThe Center Square U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat from Florida, resigned from Congress Tuesday minutes before a House Ethics Committee hearing that would have decided sanctions against...
International Energy Agency leader says energy crisis worst in history

International Energy Agency leader says energy crisis worst in history

By Alton WallaceThe Center Square The conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel is creating the worst energy crisis ever faced by the world, the head of the...
Republicans unveil budget resolution allotting up to $140 billion for ICE, CBP

Republicans unveil budget resolution allotting up to $140 billion for ICE, CBP

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square U.S. Senate Republicans released a blueprint for their immigration enforcement funding bill Tuesday, paving the way to reopen the Department of Homeland Security, which has...
Military spy budget surges 49%, details secret

Military spy budget surges 49%, details secret

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump's Pentagon requested $50 billion from taxpayers on Tuesday for a budget so secret that the military will only say how much it...
Illinois Quick Hits: CTA leader addresses transit security

Illinois Quick Hits: CTA leader addresses transit security

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Transit Authority Acting President Nora Leerhsen says the agency has increased law enforcement hours by 75%...