RNC Chairman Michael Whatley said the vials of blood were sent
to the organization's headquarters, prompting a police lockdown
of the building. In a statement, he called it a "revolting
attack".
The RNC, the parent organization of the Republican Party, is
playing a major role in the campaign of former President Donald
Trump, who will face Democratic incumbent Joe Biden in the Nov.
5 election.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called reports
about the blood vials "concerning" during her regular briefing
with reporters.
She said the White House condemns "any political violence,
threats or intimidation".
Authorities initially closed off one street and directed staff
and other personnel to avoid the area, which is close to the
U.S. Capitol building. By midmorning, employees were re-entering
the offices, and police were leaving the scene, according to a
Reuters witness.
"The source of the package and its contents will be further
investigated," U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement.
(Reporting by Tim Reid, Gram Slattery and Doina Chiacu; Editing
by Ross Colvin, Chizu Nomiyama, Chris Reese, Jonathan Oatis and
Diane Craft)
[© 2024 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2022 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may
not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|