Pentagon lockdown after ‘hazardous materials’ incident'

Part of Pentagon had been locked down after hazardous materials incident reported today.

The security alert took place on Thursday morning, June 11, 2026, forcing parts of the military headquarters into a partial lockdown and evacuation.

Department of Defense spokesman says ‘shelter-in-place order’ given after air quality issue detected.

Firefighters are investigating a hazardous materials incident at the Pentagon, the sprawling facility that houses the US Department of Defense.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in an email,"The Pentagon has sophisticated systems to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. Those systems have detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance."

"The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants."

As reported by CNN, the building was under lockdown, with people evacuated from several floors.

Another source reported seeing emergency responders were wearing full gas masks and chemical protection suits.

"Floors two through five in corridors four through seven have been locked down," CNN said, citing two sources.

According to the media outlet, a message sent by the Pentagon’s security team said additional testing was needed to determine the source of the problem.