Capitol Hill Offices Given 'All Clear' as US Police Continue to Investigate 'Suspicious Package'

Individuals inside Rayburn House Office Building - a congressional office building for the US House of Representatives in Washington, DC - were ordered to evacuate on Wednesday, following reports of a "suspicious package" outside Rayburn 2043.

The US Capitol Police (USCP) is continuing to investigate the origins and details surrounding the "suspicious package" abandoned in the office building.

At the same time, those previously evacuated have been given an 'all clear' signal to resume their regular duties in the Rayburn House Office Building. 

"The USCP has cleared the incident with the Suspicious Package located inside the Rayburn House Office Building outside of room 2043," authorities announced. "The area has reopened and any associated door closures will clear momentarily. USCP is continuing to investigate."

The Rayburn House Office Building, completed in early 1965, is the third of three office buildings constructed for the United States House of Representatives. It occupies a site southwest of the Capitol bounded by Independence Avenue, South Capitol Street, C Street S.W., and First Street S.W.

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"All staff and other personnel are directed to remain in their assembly area until further notice. There are no road closures at this time," US Capitol Police said in their initial Wednesday afternoon alert.

NBC reporter Scott MacFarlane noted the room in question is a "floor-level meeting room." 

Furthermore, the reports come at a time when visitors are not permitted in the Rayburn House Office Building.