Secret Service closes street near Ukrainian Embassy because of ‘suspicious package’

The United States Secret Service and D.C. police investigated reports of a “suspicious package” near the Ukrainian Embassy on Friday morning, according to a Secret Service statement provided to NewsNation.

Out of an “abundance of caution,” the 3300 block of M Street in Northwest D.C. and the Francis Scott Key Bridge were closed, according to the statement.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), in a statement to NewsNation, said officers responded to assist the Secret Service in that area at 8:42 a.m. Friday after receiving reports of a “suspicious package.”

“MPD’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit is responding to assist. The investigation is ongoing,” the statement said.

As of 11:20 a.m., MPD said the agency is clearing the location “with no hazardous materials found.”

The Ukrainian Embassy told NewsNation that the embassy was evacuated to “ensure the safety of embassy staff and visitors.”

The embassy said it has reopened, and consular services will resume shortly, as the item was deemed not harmful.