The Independent: “The US Capitol is under lockdown amid reports of an exterior security threat, as a message sent to those in the area warned people to ‘stay away from exterior windows’ and ‘seek cover’ if outside of the building. People attending a rehearsal for the Inauguration Day ceremonies were reportedly evacuated from the area as the security threat was announced over the intercom. The evacuation comes just days after a deadly pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, clashing with security officials in a riot that left at least five dead. Reports of smoke rising from behind the building appeared to come from a nearby fire in the 100 block of H St SE.”
Update 1/18/21 10:48 AM EST: Appears to be a false alarm. CNN’s Manu Raju reports “Things seem to be OK at the Capitol. DC Fire’s Vito Maggiolo says the incident involved a small fire involving tent that is now out. DC fire was dispatched at 10:14 and the fire was put out. He said the response was ‘very minimal’ and it was ‘pretty much a non-incident.'”