The Capitol was locked down Monday afternoon after police shot a man who pulled a gun as he entered the complex, according to law enforcement.
During a news conference Monday afternoon, Capitol Police chief Matthew Verderosa said at 2:39 p.m., an adult man “entered the north screening facility at the Capitol Visitors Center” and “drew what appeared to be a weapon and pointed it at officers.”
“An officer fired and struck the suspect who was subsequently treated by medical personnel,” Verderosa said. “The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the hospital for treatment. He is currently undergoing surgery. His condition is unknown at this time. A weapon was recovered on the scene.”
Verderosa said “an uninvolved 35-45 year old bystander also suffered what appeared to be minor injuries and was transported to the hospital.”
Despite earlier press reports, Verderosa said no officers were injured.
Verderosa said investigators are on the crime scene and the suspect’s vehicle has been located on the Capitol grounds. “I stress that much of this information is still very preliminary,” he said.
The police chief didn’t name a suspect, but said, based on their initial investigation, they believe the gunman “has frequented the Capitol grounds before.” Verderosa seemed to rule out terrorism by saying there is “no reason to believe that this is anything more than a criminal act.”
ABC News, citing sources, has identified the suspect as Larry Dawson of Tennessee.
The incident took place at the Capitol Visitors Center, which is located on the eastern side of the Capitol and is where visitors gather to take tours of the building. Tourists can roam freely around the Capitol building, where people don’t have to go through metal detectors until they go inside.
Congressional aides and visitors sheltered in place for about an hour. Capitol Hill staffers say there was initial confusion about the incident because there were active shooter drills at the Capitol earlier this morning.
In a statement, House Speaker Paul Ryan said: “Today we are reminded of the courage and daily sacrifice of the United States Capitol Police. The Capitol is our greatest symbol of democracy, and these officers serve to protect not just those who work there but also the millions of visitors from all around the world who travel each year to see it.”
In an email sent to the congressional employees by the United States Capitol Police, officials were told: “In addition to the response to the shooting, USCP immediately began a series of enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of the congressional community. As a result, you will see an increased presence of K9 teams and tactical units around the campus.”
During the lockdown, congressional employers received this email message:
U.S. Capitol Police are locking down the entire U.S. Capitol Complex due to a potential security threat.
• No one will be allowed to enter or exit any buildings.
• You may move about within the buildings and underground between buildings.
• If you are outside, seek cover.
Here is video posted by an Instagram user of the chaos inside the Capitol Visitors Center:
Here are other reports from social media as the incident unfolded:
Breaking: Shelter in place at the Capitol. “Shots fired” at visitor center, per announcement.
— Anthony Adragna (@AnthonyAdragna) March 28, 2016
*SHOTS FIRED AT U.S. CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER: CAPITOL POLICE
— Justin Sink (@justinsink) March 28, 2016
At the #Capitol shots fired…running
— Cathryn Leff, LMFT (@Cathrynlefflmft) March 28, 2016
US Capitol Police source tells me shooting at visitor center – and “shooter is down.” @wusa9
— Ellison Barber (@ellisonbarber) March 28, 2016
Due to police activity, Capitol Police have issued a shelter in place for the Capitol complex. Please stay in your designated area. #alert
— SenateSergeantAtArms (@SenateSAA) March 28, 2016
Capitol “Shooter is on his way to the hospital,” cop here tells me. Says lockdown for staff should be lifted soon pic.twitter.com/8Ljuiyi4Vq
— Asawin Suebsaeng (@swin24) March 28, 2016
There has been an isolated incident at the US Capitol. There is no active threat to the public
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) March 28, 2016
Big shoutout to the @CapitolPolice for protecting everyone
— Ben Smith™ (@bmcsmith92) March 28, 2016
Per USCP, shelter in place has been lifted and the Capitol is open for official business only. Capitol Visitor Center remains closed. #alert
— SenateSergeantAtArms (@SenateSAA) March 28, 2016
