U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. (Photo: Reuters)
DEVELOPING: The U.S. Capitol Building remains on lockdown after authorities responded Saturday to reports of shots fired on the West Front. Officials say the suspected shooter has been “neutralized” and the lockdown was simply a precautionary measure.
However, police also were investigating reports of a suspicious package that is allegedly connected to the shooting and, although PPD could confirm a package was found, we were not able to independently confirm the connection.
“U.S. Capitol Police are locking down the U.S. Capitol Building and the Capitol Visitor Center due to a potential security threat,” Capitol Police spokeswoman Kimberly Schneider said. “No one will be allowed to enter or exit the U.S. Capitol Building and the Capitol Visitors Center.”
The shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot shortly after the shooting, which occurred shortly before 2 p.m. (local time). Multiple law enforcement and emergency services responded, including the district’s Police and Fire Departments, and are now investigating a suspicious package found on the lower west terrace of the building.
Police closed roads in the vicinity of the area.
Congress has been on spring break for two weeks and lawmakers are set to return to work Monday.
