A sudden electrical fire inside the Capitol subway system sent shockwaves through Washington on Thursday, forcing evacuations and shutting down the tunnel linking the Rayburn House Office Building to the U.S. Capitol. The brief blaze, though quickly contained, created intense concern as smoke filled the underground passageway used daily by lawmakers, staff, and journalists.
D.C. Fire and EMS confirmed that two Capitol Police officers were hospitalized for evaluation after responding to the scene. Fortunately, officials report no serious injuries, and all smoke was cleared from the area by early evening.
Fire Erupts Amid Rising Tensions on Capitol Hill
The incident comes at a time when political tensions in Washington are already reaching a boiling point.
Just hours before the fire, six Democrat lawmakers released a video urging military personnel to “refuse illegal orders” from President Trump.
The Trump administration blasted the message as dangerous, inflammatory, and deeply irresponsible.
President Trump fired back on Truth Social, calling the lawmakers’ behavior “seditious” and “punishable by death,” reminding the nation that encouraging active-duty troops to break the chain of command is no small matter.
Democrat leaders quickly reached out to Capitol Police after the backlash, seeking protection for the lawmakers involved.
Reporters Evacuated as Smoke Fills Capitol Tunnel
As the political feud escalated, smoke began rising from beneath the Capitol complex.
Journalists on the plaza were rushed away as emergency crews descended into the tunnel. A Capitol Police officer told Politico,
“There’s a fire down there. We can’t have you breathing smoke.”
Early video clips posted on social media showed a subway car stalled in a smoke-filled tunnel, reportedly sparked by an electrical line malfunction.
D.C. Fire and EMS later confirmed:
- The fire originated from an electrical issue on the Capitol subway
- Fire extinguishers knocked down the flames quickly
- A full investigation was launched out of caution
- No passengers on the trolley were injured
Two Capitol Police officers were taken to the hospital for evaluation due to possible smoke exposure.
Road Closures and Investigation Ongoing
Independence Avenue remained closed for hours as emergency teams worked to secure the area and ensure no additional hazards remained.
By 6 p.m., fire officials announced that all smoke was cleared and crews began reopening the area to the public.
The event, while minor in terms of physical damage, rattled nerves across Washington—especially as political unrest continues to dominate headlines.
Why This Story Matters
With tensions rising between Congress and President Trump, even a small emergency on Capitol Hill feeds public concern about instability, safety, and the direction of the country.
For many Americans watching these events unfold, Thursday’s fire felt like yet another symbol of a government struggling to maintain order and focus amid nonstop political chaos.