Republicans say they were victims of a 'biological attack' after vials of blood were sent to RNC headquarters

The Republican National Committee said its headquarters in Washington DC was targeted in a 'biological attack on Wednesday after vials of blood were sent to it. 

After a suspicious package was found the building was temporarily locked down and a Hazmat team was dispatched to the scene.

After the all-clear was given RNC Chairman Michael Whatley issued a statement about the 'biological attack at RNC headquarters'. 

He said: “Today, vials of blood were sent to RNC Headquarters in DC. We are thankful to law enforcement, who responded quickly and ensured everyone’s safety.

Law enforcement wearing gas masks exited from the building carrying bags of material 

'The lockdown has been cleared and staff has resumed their office duties because we remain unintimidated and undeterred in our efforts to elect President Trump to the White House.'

He added: “This revolting attack comes on the heels of pro-Hamas protestors violently demonstrating on college campuses and deranged Biden supporters physically attacking our campaign volunteers for supporting President Trump.

“While Republicans fight to strengthen our economy, secure our southern border, and halt the violent crime in our communities, the fringe-left is wreaking havoc, sowing fear, and lying to the public in a bad-faith effort to divide Americans and sway an election.'

Whatley said 'no matter what violent tactics Biden’s extreme left supporters try next' the RNC would 'stand firm in our mission to deliver greater freedom and opportunity for all Americans, and we won’t back down.”

Onlookers observe as the incident unfolds

The incident prompted a response from bomb threat and hazardous material teams

Earlier, U.S. Capitol Police told politicians' offices in Congress that they were investigating a 'suspicious substance' at the headquarters of the RNC.

A notice issued by the police said: 'Staff and other personnel are directed to AVOID THIS AREA until further notice.'

The lockdown was due to vials of blood being sent to the Republican headquarters, a source familiar with the matter revealed to DailyMail.com. 

Bomb squad officers were also spotted at the scene.

Police who were called to the incident

A police car outside the RNC HQ

The White House condemned the attack.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, said: 'It is concerning. We have obviously seen the report.

'We condemn any political violence, threats of intimidation. That has no place in any community and certainly not in our political discourse.

'That has no place in our politics, no place anywhere, and so we certainly condemn any form of threats.'

A closed street near the RNC HQ

'At approximately 7:45 a.m., the USCP responded to the 300 block of First Street, SE, for the report of a suspicious package,' a Capitol Police spokesman said.

'The package was just cleared by our Hazardous Incident Response Division. It contained two vials of blood.'