DC AREA NEWS: DC MAYOR HAS DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY

various sources, WJLA-7 Television | Spetember 11, 2001 | tgsltakoma, and news outlets

[tgslTakoma]

Washington DC Mayor Anthony Williams delivered a statement earlier this afternoon, which was broadcast on WJLA-7 (ABC affiliate). WJLA's report follows:

Washington - Mayor Tony Williams has declared a state of emergency for the District. He's asking people to stay home and off the streets, if they can. The measures are being taken so public safety vehicles can move through the city in the event they're needed to respond to any explosion or other incident.

Williams says the city's phone systems are working, and public safety personnel are fully deployed.

The balance of the District government is closed -- at least for the day.

According to Williams, the Metro system is fully operational.

Williams is assuring citizens there's been no looting in Georgetown, no explosion at Union Station and the schools are not shut down.

Williams says any decision on early dismissal in DC schools will be made in cooperation with school authorities this afternoon.

More DC info will follow as it is broadcast.

[tgslTakoma]

DC area FReepers, please post any news you have, here in this thread. Let's everyone please try and keep this thread for news and info only. Let's wait until things settle down to post our vanity stuff.

Stay safe, all.

[AppyPappy]

Geez, who woke up the Mayor? "DOn't loot everybody". What does that say about DC? You have to tell people not to loot. Not only that, you have to tell them there is stuff left in Georgetown.

[ironman]

ABC radio reporting the mayor has also called up the National Guard. Some MD and VA schools closing early. Va Gov Gillmore declares State of Emergency.

[Plummz]

From a birds-eye view a few miles south of Pentagon along the Potomac: Smoke still pouring from Pentagon, though not as intense as earlier. NO OTHER FIRES ON DC SKYLINE. (THE MALL IS NOT ON FIRE!) Traffic on Rt 1 South at standstill, Woodrow Wilson bridge traffic heavy but moving.

From NewsChannel8 : 50, 29, 66, GW Parkway into DC from Va. all closed, open outbound. Metro still running, Pentagon stop closed.

[Fred Mertz]

If the Mayor know what's best, he needs to declare a dusk to dawn curfew, on all of the District. Just to be safe and to stress the gravity of the situation.

[tgslTakoma]

From Montgomery County, MD police scanner channels:

Shift Supervisor (for Silver Spring district) alerted all on his channel that the Metropolitan Police Department will not let anyone into the District, unless they are law enforcement or rescue personnel... and must show ID to prove it. Georgia Avenue southbound into DC is reported closed to all but emergency personnel. 16th street southbound is also to be closed, if not already. I expect that Bethesda/Chevy Chase area of Montgomery County is also stopping DC-bound traffic as well, but do not have confirmation yet. Listening for more...

[CommiesOut]

Thank God you're safe. I still try to locate one of my sons. The rest of the family safe. Daughter works very close to Pentagon. Witnessed the whole ordeal. Came home pale as a clean piece of paper.

[ironman]

I sometimes go down to the Pentagon for briefings. Sure glad I didn't have any meetings there today. Prayers for all.

[Teacup]

Hubby and all collegues have been accounted for, thank God. Virginia has called up the National guard and air National guard.

[Plummz]

WUSA TV9 in DC (Gannett/CBS) reported a few minutes ago the organizers of the protests against the World Bank and IMF meeting scheduled for the end fo the month and will discuss whether to call off protests.

[aristeides]

If there's looting in D.C. today, that will speak volumes about the black population of D.C. I wonder if we will be permitted to find out about it, if it occurs.

I agree with Fred that a curfew would make sense, under these circumstances.

[thathamiltonwoman]

I don't see how there could be looting in DC. There are cops and guardsmen eveywhere.

[Petronski]

If there's looting in D.C. today, that will speak volumes about the black population of D.C.

No, it will speak volumes about the looters. Your bigotry is showing.

[Fred Mertz]

You mean you've actually seen Anglo looters?

[Gore_ War_ Vet]

Hey!