Republican National Committee HQ evacuated after receiving vials of blood addressed to Trump

The Republican National Committee’s headquarters in Washington, United States was briefly evacuated and put on lockdown, on Wednesday (May 22) morning after it received two vials of blood after former US President Donald Trump took over the national party apparatus in March. The Associated Press citing sources said that the vials had been addressed to the presumptive presidential nominee.

What we know about the incident

A report by the Guardian citing eyewitnesses said that several hazmat trucks that are equipped with tools to handle hazardous materials were seen outside the RNC building which is near the US Capitol at around 8:00 am (local time).

The RNC office received a package containing two vials of blood, a Chinese philosophy text, and two ice packs and they are currently investigating the source of the package, said the Capitol Police spokeswoman Brianna Burch.

Earlier on Wednesday, Burch had incorrectly described the text that was in the package as a “Korean bible.” It was also unclear if anyone came into contact with the blood and to whom it belonged.

A report by AP citing an anonymous source said that the vials were addressed to Trump.

The substance was cleared, but the area around the building remained cordoned off which has led to road closures on nearby streets, reported NBC news.

Earlier on Wednesday, the police had issued a statement advising people to avoid the block where the RNC’s headquarters is located “due to law enforcement activity.”

The lockdown notice came when House Republicans were due to meet in the building for their weekly conference. It was not immediately clear if any lawmaker was present when the incident was reported.

‘Revolting attack’

RNC chair Michael Whatley decried the “revolting attack” while blaming the “fringe-left” and US President Joe Biden’s supporters and said that the party remains “unintimidated and undeterred” without offering any more details about the incident.

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called the incident “concerning” and said that the Biden administration condemns any political violence, threats, or intimidation.

“That has no place in any community or certainly in our political discourse, and it is important that we continue to repeat that,” she added.

The incident comes months after Trump handpicked the leadership and completed his takeover of the national party as he closes in on a third GOP presidential nomination.

The former president appointed his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, as the party’s national vice chair and ex-GOP chairman of North Carolina Whatley as RNC chairman.

The incident also took place less than two months from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is slated to become the party’s official 2024 nominee.

(With inputs from agencies)