Overview
- In a Dec. 19 memo, Secretary Kristi Noem told GSA the vacant structures pose a “risk to life and property” and said demolition is the only permanent fix.
- A DHS risk assessment warns the buildings could aid active-shooter scenarios and be exploited by “malicious insiders,” creating response blind spots near senior leadership.
- GSA alerted D.C. officials on Dec. 23, triggering a three-business-day comment period that preservationists say limits oversight; GSA says it is following applicable laws.
- DHS seeks to remove 17 structures on the West Campus, with four already approved by federal planners and 13 now advanced under the emergency designation.
- The National Trust and the D.C. Preservation League filed objections and are weighing further action as the agency pursues a long-planned headquarters expansion at the landmark site, against the backdrop of litigation over the White House East Wing demolition.