RNC headquarters locked down after receiving vials of blood

The Republican National Committee’s (RNC) headquarters in Washington, D.C., was placed on lockdown early Wednesday, after it received a package containing vials of blood, according to U.S. Capitol Police.

Capitol Police responded around 7:45 a.m. to the RNC headquarters for a report of a suspicious package with two vials of blood inside, authorities confirmed to The Hill.

The building — located on the 300 block of First Street SE — and the surrounding area were blocked from pedestrian traffic while authorities investigated, Capitol Police said.

The hazardous incident response division was called in to clear the package and the contents will be further investigated, Capitol Police added. The lockdown was lifted soon after and staff were permitted back into the building, the RNC confirmed. 

“A suspicious package was delivered, out of an abundance of caution and following protocol … [RNC officials] called in a hazmat team,” Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), who serves as the chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, told The Hill.

D.C. Metro Police and D.C. Fire and Emergency Management Services confirmed their departments both assisted Capitol Police.

“The lockdown has been cleared and staff has resumed their office duties because we remain unintimidated and undeterred in our efforts to elect President Trump to the White House,” RNC Chairman Michael Whatley wrote in a statement. 

“This revolting attack comes on the heels of pro-Hamas protestors violently demonstrating on college campuses and deranged Biden supporters physically attacking our campaign volunteers for supporting President Trump,” Whatley added.

Authorities have not released any information on potential suspects or if the incident was related to any protests. 

The Hill’s Mychael Schnell contributed.

Updated at 1:39 p.m. EDT