Federal and local law enforcement are investigating a suspicious item discovered near the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on Friday afternoon, prompting temporary road closures in the heart of the nation's capital.
The Secret Service said its police officers were alerted to the item at approximately 2:40 p.m. on October 23, near the intersection of 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. In a statement, a spokesperson said the closure was enacted out of an "abundance of caution" while authorities assessed the situation.
The Metropolitan Police Department and other partner agencies responded to the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. The area is a heavily trafficked corridor that includes the White House complex, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, and several foreign embassies.
The Embassy of Ireland, located in the immediate vicinity, announced on social media platform X that it was "currently closed due to an ongoing security incident in the area, which has resulted in a number of street closures." The embassy advised citizens in the area to "heed the advice of local authorities."
This incident follows a similar scare earlier in the day near the Ukrainian Embassy, where a suspicious package prompted an evacuation. That package was later deemed harmless, and the embassy reopened. The earlier episode had also triggered street and bridge closures near the Ukrainian Embassy.
The repeated security alerts underscore the heightened vigilance around diplomatic and government installations in Washington. Just last week, suspicious mailings were reported at the offices of more than 20 lawmakers, adding to concerns about potential threats targeting officials.
The Secret Service has been under increased scrutiny in recent months, including the recent resignation of Deputy Director Quinn after an 18-month tenure, as reported by our earlier coverage. This latest incident is likely to intensify focus on the agency's operational readiness.
No injuries have been reported, and no official threat level change has been announced. Authorities have not yet released details on the nature of the item or when the roads might reopen.
As the investigation continues, local officials urge the public to avoid the area and follow updates from law enforcement. The White House has not issued a formal statement at this time.
