WASHINGTON —UPDATE: The White House briefing was interrupted by the Secret Service, press was asked to evacuate. The secret service conducted a sweep.

The official did not give a reason for the order. “We’ll come back,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said as reporters filed out the door.

A phoned in bomb threat prompted the evacuation. Metro D.C. police alerted the secret service of the threat.

Reporters have been allowed back in after ‘all clear’ was given.

The Secret Service also cleared the North Lawn. Media often report from that area.

EARLIER: Parts of the US Senate Office Building were evacuated Tuesday morning.

U.S. Capitol Police told Fox News that they received a call reporting a suspicious package in a third-floor room of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

The evacuation at the Dirksen Senate Office Building interrupted a hearing about the Transportation Security Administration. Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, the Republican chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, calmly suspended the hearing.

“We’re clearing the floor,” he said. “So, in an orderly fashion, please exit as quickly as possible. Thank you.”

The Dirksen building is just across the street from the Capitol.

Police are also investigating a separate report of a suspicious package in the courtyard of the Russell Senate Office Building.

Photo source: ‏ @ jonkarl -Twitter

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