Dozens of people scrambled for cover today in the afternoon when gunshots were fired inside the U.S. Capitol, the seat of the United States Congress which is the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. It sits atop Capitol Hill, at the eastern end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
In the confusion that followed the gunshots, workers and visitors were immediately warned to shelter in place. And it was not unclear if anyone was injured in the ordeal, but initial reports said a U.S. Capitol police officer and the suspect may have been wounded, but later dispatches questioned if there were any injuries at all. The alleged gunman was reportedly apprehended.
“One suspect is in custody, no further suspects appear to be at large, however the U.S. Capitol Police are continuing to investigate,” read an email sent to congressional employees. All staff and visitors in all buildings are to remain sheltered in place.”
The White House was put on lockdown for several minutes, but that caution has been lifted, according to Yahoo News Chief Washington Correspondent Olivier Knox.
While Congress is currently in recess, there were tens of thousands of people expected in Washington, D.C., on Monday, during a typically busy spring break and tourist season. An estimated 35,000 people were expected to visit the White House for its annual Easter egg roll alone. Shortly after the lockdown at the White House was lifted, several hundred tourists were seen moving freely outside the fence and taking selfies as if nothing happened.
The Capitol Visitor Center opened in 2008. It is located on the east end of the National Mall between the Capitol building and the U.S. Supreme Court building.
The U.S. Capitol Police have been on heightened alert since last week’s terror attacks in Brussels. There was an active shooter drill at the U.S. Capitol earlier Monday.
Gun laws in Washington, D.C., are among the strictest in the nation. Until 2008, handguns were banned in the District, and until 2014, the carrying of open and concealed weapons was prohibited. (Open carry remains prohibited). [myad]
