US Capitol Police probing 'active bomb threat' near Library of Congress, area evacuated

The US Capitol Police issued an alert on social media platforms, saying it is “an active bomb threat investigation”.

The US Capitol Police are probing a bomb threat after they found a suspicious vehicle near the Library of Congress, a research library that officially serves the United States Congress. The US Capitol Police issued an alert on social media platforms, saying it is “an active bomb threat investigation”. The police said they were “responding to a suspicious vehicle near the Library of Congress.”

The US Capitol Police is investigating a bomb threat near Library of Congress. (AFP)

“The staging area for journalists covering this situation is at Constitution and First Street, NW for your safety. Please continue to avoid the area around the Library of Congress,” the law enforcement agency added.

The threat has been reported days after the US department of homeland security issued a new terrorism threat advisory due to the “heightened threat environment” ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks. The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) said last Friday in its bulletin that the US continues to face a “diverse and challenging” threat environment.

“Today’s NTAS Bulletin advises the public about the heightened threat landscape we face and how DHS is working with our partners, at every level of government and in the community, to combat domestic terrorism and targeted violence in all its forms," secretary of homeland security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a statement.

The homeland security department warned that the extremists and terror groups are increasingly exploiting online forums to spread violent extremist narratives and promote violent activity.

“Such threats are also exacerbated by impacts of the ongoing global pandemic, including grievances over public health safety measures and perceived government restrictions,” the advisory added.