Fire near US Capitol prompts evacuation

Smoke rose behind the US Capitol yesterday, prompting an evacuation from the west side of the building and a lockdown throughout the complex.

The fire department later announced that the smoke came from a nearby fire and that it posed no threat.

But the prompt lockdown was a sign of a vigilant city on edge with only two days left before president-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration tomorrow.

The quick co-ordination between local and federal law enforcement agencies marked a drastic change in the security environment since January 6, when rioters supporting President Donald Trump ransacked the Capitol in a failed bid to keep Congress from certifying Mr Biden’s election victory.

The police response to the Capitol riot was widely criticised and remains under investigation.

The National Guard was subsequently mobilised, and formed an extensive security perimeter.

This perimeter extends several city blocks from the National Mall that connects Capitol Hill and the White House.

FBI investigators are also vetting all 25,000 National Guard soldiers who will arrive in Washington by tomorrow, because of fears of an insider attack during the inauguration.

The Department of Justice is investigating several current and former police officers who participated in the January 6 invasion of the Capitol.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump’s inner circle continues to face mounting scrutiny over possible illegal activities.

The New York Times reported on Sunday that the president’s allies had collected tens of thousands of dollars by promising clients that they can obtain presidential pardons from Mr Trump.

Mr Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, denied reports that he offered to help John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer who was convicted of disclosing classified information, to secure a pardon in exchange for $2 million.