Shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court issued two rulings supported by conservative Americans on Thursday, a “suspicious package” discovered by the United States Capitol Police (USCP) prompted road closures in the Nation’s Capital.
At approximately a quarter past one Thursday, USCP issued the following alert:
“The USCP is continuing to investigate a Suspicious Package in the Unit Block of First Street SE on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court Building. Staff and other personnel are directed to AVOID THIS AREA until further notice.
“The following road closures are in effect due to the investigation:
- Maryland Avenue between Constitution Avenue and First Street NE
- First Street between Constitution Avenue NE and Independence Avenue SE
- East Capitol Street between First and Second Streets
“Updates will be provided when available.”
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that, essentially, bans the affirmative action practice of using race to determine college admissions. In another case, the Court affirmed the religious rights of a U.S. Post Office employee.
UPDATE: At 3:15 p.m., USCP issued an ”all clear” notification. While reporting that all closed roads will be reopened, it did not provide any details about the nature of the ”suspicious package.”
JUST IN -- The area outside of the Supreme Court is being evacuated.
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) June 29, 2023
Police are responding to reports of a “suspicious package." pic.twitter.com/cEoTJJWKuX