Bomb Squad Investigates Suspicious Package Five Miles from White House Ahead of Presidential Election Certification

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a suspicious package discovered just five miles from the White House, heightening security concerns ahead of Congress’s certification of the 2024 presidential election.

Authorities confirmed that the package was found in the 5000 block of Hayes Street NE on Sunday afternoon, according to the Daily Mail.

Members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were dispatched to the scene at 2:15 p.m. to assess the item.

Police immediately cordoned off the area, closing the road to ensure public safety while bomb squad crews conducted their investigation.

“The investigation has concluded and revealed that the package was fireworks. There are currently traffic closures in place but will be lifted shortly,” an MPD spokesperson told Daily Mail.

This incident comes as law enforcement agencies bolster security measures across Washington, D.C., in anticipation of Monday’s certification process on Capitol Hill.

Army units already stationed around the Capitol complex ahead of the 2024 election certification tomorrow

It’s impossible to overstate how different the Capitol’s security posture is ahead of Jan 6 2025 vs Jan 6 2021 pic.twitter.com/4pRGie6nsu

— Julie Tsirkin (@news_jul) January 5, 2025

The US Capitol Building is seen surrounded by security fencing ahead of the January 6th certification and January 20th inauguration.

What do you think? pic.twitter.com/IU3j2ADqMn

— Jason Blair (@JasonBlairNTD) January 5, 2025

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information.