Why US Police are conducting a routine training exercise on Capitol grounds today: Know time

The United States Capitol Police, in collaboration with federal partners, is set to conduct a routine training exercise on the grounds of the US Capitol. The exercise is scheduled to take place at around 6 am ET (4:30 pm IST).Residents and visitors were advised they might see an influx of emergency vehicles and low-flying helicopters in the area.

In a post on X, it said, “EXERCISE: On Monday, February 9, 2026, at approximately 6:00 a.m., we will be working with our federal partners on a routine training exercise on the grounds of the US Capitol.”

EXERCISE: On Monday, February 9, 2026, at approximately 6:00 a.m., we will be working with our federal partners on a routine training exercise on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Please do not be alarmed if you see emergency vehicles and low flying helicopters. pic.twitter.com/PUDAJCkG8n

— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) February 9, 2026

The announcement on Monday by the US Capitol Police about the exercise cautioned, “Please do not be alarmed if you see emergency vehicles and low-flying helicopters.”

The exercise is apparently part of ongoing readiness efforts to protect the Capitol complex’s safety and security.

It also attached an image with the post that read, “US CAPITOL POLICE TRAINING EXERCISE”.As soon as the post was shared, the internet came up with conspiracy theories.

An X user made a remark, writing, “(Joe Biden voice) come on man!” Below that, the commenter shared text panels referencing past tragedies (like the London bombings, Sandy Hook, and Boston Marathon) alongside mentions of training drills.

When a user inquired about the significance of the “6 o’clock” remarks, Grok explained that the phrase traces back to a 2019 QAnon post serving as a cryptic warning of risks.

In the context of the US Capitol Police announcing a 6 am training drill, the AI assistant designed by xAI noted, “people are referencing it to express scepticism or conspiracy theories about the timing and true nature of the drill. It’s a nod to QAnon lore, implying hidden dangers or operations.”

In 2021, a routine training exercise was held five months after the violent takeover of the US Capitol. In a message about the event, the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department said, “During this time, emergency vehicles and personnel may be seen moving around the grounds.”

“The only details we are disclosing at this time are what we tweet. We have done similar exercises in the past,” the Capitol Police was quoted as saying by Forbes.