Pentagon issues shelter-in-place order over air quality issue

Hazmat crews and emergency response teams deployed to the Pentagon on Thursday morning over what the Defense Department called “an air quality issue.â€

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Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that “sophisticated systems†had “detected an air quality issue necessitating precautionary measures until we determine its significance.â€

“The Department is executing standard protection protocols, including a shelter-in-place order for the affected area,†Parnell added. “Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants.â€

Pentagon employees received an emergency message saying “additional testing could take one to two hours. Response teams are in place and ready to support building occupants if necessary.â€

Only essential personnel are in the building, according to a Pentagon official.

In a post on X, the Arlington County Fire Department said emergency units, including its Hazmat team, were “operating at the Pentagon in support of PFPA's Hazmat Team during a hazardous materials incident.â€

Virginia authorities did not provide specifics.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Courtney Kube is a correspondent covering national security and the military for the NBC News Investigative Unit.

I am NBC News' producer & off-air reporter covering stories about and related to the Defense Department around the world.

Daniel Arkin is a senior reporter at NBC News.