Hazmat incident at White House, secret service cordons area in Washington DC

The Secret Service are investigating a hazmat incident at the White House and have cordoned off a significant area around the White House.

According to reports, there is an ongoing hazmat incident at the White House in Washington DC the US Secret Service, along with emergency personnel, are investigating the situation. US Secret Service have reportedly shut down access to the Ellipse, Lafayette Park, 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

After there were reports of a hazardous substance being found, Hazmat crews were also seen within the gate of the West Wing of the White House.

The suspected substance reportedly tested positive for cocaine hydrochloride when it was examined by DC Hazmat workers.

“U.S. Secret Service Uniform Division Officers located an unknown item on the White House complex,” a USSS spokesperson said in a statement.

“As a precaution, the White House grounds were evacuated, and the DC Fire Departments Hazmat team responded,” the spokesperson said. All road closures were later lifted, the spokesperson added.