Scramble at Capitol after shots are fired, suspect in custody

Story by The Hill
Written by Jordain Carney

A suspect is in custody after a shooting incident on Monday at the Capitol complex that resulted in a lockdown of the area.

"Capitol Police have confirmed that a suspect is in custody in connection with a shooting incident at the Capitol Visitors Center. Capitol Police are continuing to investigate," the House Press Gallery said in an email.

A shelter-in-place order for the Capitol has been lifted, though the Capitol Visitors Center remains closed, according to the Senate Periodical Press Gallery.

A Capitol Police officer told The Hill that the shooter is down and the situation is contained. He said one woman had been shot, but it is unclear if she is a Capitol Police officer.

Washington Metropolitan Police declared on Twitter that the incident was “isolated” and did not present an “active threat to the public.”

U.S. Capitol Police issued a lockdown alert on Monday afternoon and warned all staffers to stay in place and seek cover if outside. The White House also went into lockdown.

“No one will be allowed to enter or exit any buildings,” an alert to House staffers said.

Police could be heard telling tourists to run away from the Capitol. Other staffers said they left the complex and ran outside when they couldn't get back into their offices due to the shelter-in-place warning.

One family visiting Washington was outside the Supreme Court and told The Hill they heard someone shooting at the Capitol.

"We heard screams," said a woman who declined to give her name.

One other woman claimed on Twitter that she was going through security in the Capitol Visitor’s Center when shots went off, creating a “scramble” for safety.

The White House also went into lockdown, though it remained unclear whether the move was merely precautionary. The frenzy of panic occurred as thousands of children and guests were welcomed on to the White House’s South Lawn for the annual Easter egg roll.

Congress is in recess this week, but thousands of staffers are working in the Capitol. It is also a busy season for tourism, with the city's famous cherry blossom trees in full bloom.