UPDATE: In a 4:16 p.m. email, the Senate sergeant at arms emailed staff saying, “I am lifting the portion of the lock down which required you to remain in the buildings.”
In explaining the original move, he wrote, “While this [lock down] approach is inconvenient, it is at times necessary. The lessons of Boston, Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, and Aurora are clear, and just still too raw.”
WASHINGTON — The Senate complex in the Capitol Building has been locked down after a shooting at the nearby Navy Yard early Monday morning.
The Senate Sergeant at Arms Terrance Gainer sent a message to members of the Senate community shortly after 3 p.m. on Monday. At the time, the Police believed there was at least one potential suspect involved in the shooting still at large.
“In light of the uncertainty surrounding the shooting at the Navy Yard this morning and particularly the possibility of suspects remaining at large, we have decided to lock down the Senate complex,” says the email. “You may move about the building; however, for the next two hours you may not leave nor can anyone enter the building. This will be in effect until we deem the situation safe in the neighboring community. We do not have any information to suggest the Senate, its Members, or staff are in any danger, but out of an abundance of caution, we feel this is the best course of action to keep everyone safe. This is being done in consultation with Chief Kim Dine, U.S. Capitol Police. Additional information will be shared at 5:00 p.m.”