US Capitol wing closed after suspicious package found in outside plaza

The Capitol exterior closed prior to the inaugural ceremony (Alex Wong/Getty)

A portion of the US Capitol was closed on Thursday afternoon after reports of a suspicious package outside the building.

Capitol Police examined the package – which appears to be a duffel bag in photos posted to social media – outside the East Front of the building.

It was initially unclear if the package presented a danger to the people inside, however it was later deemed not to pose a risk to the public.

Officials were understood to have removed the bag.

Security is extremely tight around the US Capitol, the parliament building in Washington DC.