Washington Hotel Where Clinton Speaking Evacuated
LOU WATERS, CNN ANCHOR: We are going to jump on over to the White House. Major Garrett, White House correspondent, is there with a developing story. What is it all about?</s>MAJOR GARRETT, WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Yes, Lou. Just a few moments ago, a fire alarm sounded at the Marriott Hotel here in Washington, where President Clinton was giving an address after the awards, the Malcolm Baldridge Awards. The president has been moved out of the building, as have many of the attendees. The president is in the motorcade, returning to the White House. He is safe. He at no time was in jeopardy of the fire, nor was the crowd, as we are told. The DC Fire Department has advised CNN that 12 units are on the scene dealing with the fire in the laundry room of the hotel. During the president's remarks, he heard the firearm, he made a joking reference to whether or not he should leave. Someone said, "Not yet." The president said, "That doesn't sound very good." For a while, he continued on with his remarks, and then was advised to leave the building. Secret Service then took control of the situation, has moved the president into the motorcade. he is on his way back to the White House, and everything appears to be in order -- Lou.</s>WATERS: All right, Major Garrett at the White House.