UMVA has learned that a hazardous materials incident has brought the Pentagon to a standstill, with a hazmat team rushing to the scene just hours before the World Cup kicks off.
The incident has prompted a massive response, with multiple floors and corridors shut down and others being evacuated due to an unknown substance that has triggered a shelter-in-place order for the affected areas of the building.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the building's systems detected an air quality issue, necessitating precautionary measures until the significance of the substance can be determined, sparking fears of a potential anthrax exposure, although this has not been confirmed.
The Arlington Fire and EMS Department has deployed its Hazardous Materials Team to support the Pentagon's hazmat team, as the situation continues to unfold, with the US having already heightened security in cities where World Cup matches are taking place, anticipating the arrival of over three million visitors.
UMVA has gathered that the FBI has established an operations centre with police representatives from 46 countries participating in the competition, to ensure security is tight, as the country prepares for a massive influx of visitors and the potential risks that come with it.
The timing of the incident, just hours before the World Cup is set to begin, has raised concerns about the potential for disruption, with matches between Canada and Bosnia, and Mexico and South Africa, scheduled to kick off at 8pm UK time, amidst a backdrop of heightened security and tension.
