US Congress evacuated due to security agency error; House of Represent

Washington: Major shortcomings were newly exposed in the US security system, equipped with the world’s most advanced and state-of-the-art technology. Misinformation provided by security agencies forced a hasty evacuation of the US Capitol on Wednesday. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has slammed the mistake saying it was insulting and unforgivable.

On September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda terrorists shot down passenger planes on the Twin Towers and the defence headquarters, the Pentagon. Hundreds were killed in the attack two decades ago. Those memories of the 9/11 terrorist attacks were refreshed after a military plane flew over the US Capitol on Wednesday evening. US police deployed for congressional security evacuated everyone in the building, saying there was a threat from an unknown plane.

But within hours, it was revealed that the plane belonged to the US military. A game of baseball was to start at the National Stadium close to the US Congress building. The Golden Night Skydivers of the US army had been invited for the game. The FAA had been intimated regarding this. However, the FAA did not disclose the information to the US police.

This disorder and lack of coordination had caused a stir in the US Congress building for some time. Members of the US Congress were moved to a safe place. But in the next few hours, it was revealed that the evacuation was due to misinformation. The FAA had not informed the Washington police about the drills of the military paratroopers at the National Stadium. The security agencies clarified that this was the cause of all the commotion.

Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, has lashed out at the FAA over the mistake. Pelosi said the FAA’s mistake is unforgivable. Pelosi warned that this would have cost the lives of Congress members and reminded of the attack on the US Congress last year. On January 6 last year, some thugs took over the US Congress. The incident had drawn reactions from all over the world. It also questioned the capabilities of the American security system. The same question is being asked in social media after Wednesday’s incident.