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Hart Loading Dock Incident

May 13, 2003
United States Capitol PoliceChief Terrance W. Gainer
Public Information Office
119 D Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20510Immediate
(202) 224-1677

On Tuesday, May 13, 2003 at approximately 2:15 p.m., an officer assigned to the United States Capitol Police Senate Division observed what appeared to be smoke or dust in a dumpster located in the Senate Loading Dock. As the officer approached the dumpster to investigate the situation, he experience a burning sensation in his lungs.

In order to further evaluate the material in the dumpster, the United States Capitol Police Hazardous Material Response Team (HAZMAT) and DC Fire were called to the scene. Additionally, the officer on the scene was treated by the Capitol Physicians Office and released.

At approximately 4:00 p.m. the area was reopened with no sign of any hazardous materials.

Please do not hesitate to contact the United States Capitol Police Public Information Office with any additional questions at 202-224-1677.

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Prepared by:
Officer Jessica Gissubel
United States Capitol Police
Public Information Officer