UPDATE: U.S. Capitol Shooting a Suicide
UPDATE: APRIL 13, 2015 – At approximately 1:05 pm on Saturday, April 11, 2015, a male subject walking in a public area near First Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, walked towards the Lower West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol Building. Carrying a backpack and a rolling suitcase the man did not engage in any contact with the U.S. Capitol Police as he walked to the Lower West Terrace, where he turned the gun on himself.
He was the only shooter involved. No other injuries were reported. The identity of the man is being withheld pending further investigation and notification of next of kin.
As a security precaution, the U.S. Capitol Police placed the U.S. Capitol Building on lock-down and put several temporary street closures in the immediate area in place. The lock-down of the U.S. Capitol Building has been lifted.
The U.S. Capitol Police Hazardous Devices Section (bomb squad) led the investigation of the backpack and rolling suitcase that were with the man, with support from the Metropolitan Police Department EOD. The U.S. Capitol Police cleared these items with nothing hazardous found.
UPDATE: Lock Down Over After Shots Fired at U.S. Capitol.
According to U.S.Capitol Police Lieutenant Kimberly Schneider in an email, the U.S. Capitol Building lock down has cleared and the building is now open.
The East Front of the U.S. Capitol Building is open to pedestrian traffic but the West Front remains closed until further notice.
There will be a press conference @ 5:00 pm @ First Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
WASHINGTON, April 11 (UPI) — A shooting and apparent suicide had the U.S. Capitol and surrounding streets on lockdown Saturday, police say.
The event took place at the West Front of the building, and Lt. Kimberly Schneider, spokeswoman for the U.S. Capitol Police, said that the shooter has been “neutralized.”
“The U.S. Capitol Police are continuing to investigate the police activity. All occupants of the U.S. Capitol Building and Capitol Visitor Center are directed to shelter in place until further notice,” said Shneider, “Additional information will be provided as available.”
A suspicious package was also found on the U.S. Capitol’s lower West Terrace, the building and surrounding area will remain on lockdown as police continue their investigation.
