“We deeply regret that we contributed to the preventive evacuation of the Capitol complex and apologize for the disturbance and fear experienced by those working there,” the FAA said in a statement on Friday.
The incident was related to a demonstration of military gratitude in the National Park in Washington. A Golden Knights pilot has announced plans to drop the paratroopers, including the specific direction in which they plan to fly, to the air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington. However, U.S. Capitol police were not notified and a “possible threat” warning was issued at the Capitol complex, prompting an evacuation order.
The FAA apologized for not notifying U.S. Capitol police in advance and said it was “taking immediate steps” to fix the problem to avoid further confusion.
The FAA previously promised an “in-depth and expeditious review” of the events.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has previously criticized the FAA for its role in the incident.
“The apparent failure of the Federal Aviation Administration to notify Capitol police of a pre-planned overflight at Nationals Stadium is outrageous and unforgivable,” the California Democrat said Wednesday. “Unnecessary panic caused by this apparent negligence has been particularly detrimental to members, staff and institutional workers who are still battling the trauma of the January 6 workplace attack.”
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