File photo shows people running from the Capitol Building during an emergency evacuation, June 9, 2004. (Reuters)
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Capitol and White House were evacuated Wednesday after a small plane entered restricted airspace and came within three miles of the executive mansion. Military jets scrambled to intercept the aircraft and fired warning flares.
Two men in the aircraft were later taken into custody at a Maryland airport where the plane landed after a military escort, said Capitol Police Chief Terrance W. Gainer.
"This appears to be errant pilots," he said. He said officials were concerned because the plane appeared to be "on a straight-in shot toward the center of the Washington area."
White House spokesman Scott McClellan said the plane came within three miles of the White House. President Bush was not there at the time....