Capitol evacuated briefly after airspace violation

U.S. Capitol Police say the Capitol and surrounding office buildings were briefly evacuated after a small airplane entered restricted airspace over Washington.

The evacuation was ordered about 1:30 p.m. Saturday. A Capitol Police spokeswoman says the pilot of the aircraft did not immediately communicate after it flew into restricted space, and that’s what led to the evacuation.

The alert was lifted about 2 p.m. after the pilot began communicating, and visitors and staff were allowed back into the buildings.

The Secret Service says its agents will interview the pilot, in line with protocol. The agency says the incident didn’t affect security at the White House. President Barack Obama was playing golf at a military base in Maryland at the time.

Airspace violations by small planes are common in Washington.