WASHINGTON (AP) — A 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered northwest of Richmond
, Va., shook much of Washington, D.C., and was felt as far north as Rhode
Island and New York City.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake was 3.7 miles deep. Shaking
was felt at the White House and all over the East Coast, as far south as
Chapel Hill, N.C. Parts of the Pentagon, White House and Capitol were
evacuated. The quake was in Mineral, Va., in Louisa County.
Buildings in New York City shook briefly. Government buildings in the city,
including City Hall, were evacuated. The 26-story federal courthouse in
lower Manhattan began swaying and hundreds of people were seen leaving the
building. Court officers weren’t letting people back in.