Thread: Shots fired on west front of US Capitol

The U.S. Capitol is currently on lock down after shots were fired on the west front of the building and a suspicious package was found.

Police report shots fired on the west front of the Capitol in Washington and say the building has been locked down as a precaution.

http://www.wafb.com/story/28778142/p...-of-us-capitol



Capitol Hill placed on lockdown after suicide attempt on building’s steps
Published time: April 11, 2015 18:02

The US Capitol was placed on lockdown after shots were fired on the lower west terrace. A police spokesperson said that the alleged gunman had been “neutralized” and confirmed the shooting was a suicide attempt.

"Confirmed: self-inflicted gunshot by neutralized subject," police spokeswoman Sargent Kimberly Schneider said shortly after the incident. AP says it is not clear if the person, who has not been identified, is dead. No one else appears to be hurt.

The lock down, which lasted for less than two hours, has been characterized as precautionary measure. Authorities are investigating a suspicious package, which was found at the scene. Local media reported that it was a suitcase left by the person.

Police are also reportedly preparing to search the man’s car.



According to ABC news, the person was wearing a blue backpack and had a sign taped to his hand. Twitter users are saying that the placard read, "Tax the 1 percent.” These reports have not been confirmed.

The incident occurred on Saturday during Washington’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Congress has been out of session for the last two weeks for spring break; lawmakers are set to return to work on Monday.

The DC landmark has served as the site of several shootings through the years. In 2013, police officers fatally shot a dental hygienist after she struck a secret service agent with her car and led officers on a chase from the White House to the Capitol.

In 1998 a gunman entered the building and opened fire on the deputies manning a security station, killing two officers.

Earlier this year, the FBI arrested an Ohio man for plotting a terrorist attack on the Capitol, where he had planned to set off a series of bombs.

http://rt.com/usa/248929-capitol-loc...otester-shoot/

Capitol Building reopens after shooting suicide on western steps
Published April 11, 2015
·FoxNews.com

Authorities responded Saturday to reports of shots fired on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building, prompting the entire building to be placed on lockdown.

The lockdown lasted almost two hours as police investigated the shooting, which was later confirmed to be a suicide. Officials ordered the precautionary lockdown after reporting the shooter had been "neutralized" and as police checked a suspicious package connected to the shooting.










Fox News confirmed the shooter died of ‎a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The gunman killed himself just before 2 p.m.

Sources familiar with the situation told Fox News the shooter shot himself in the head. It was unclear what weapon they used.

The bomb squad immediately checked out the suspicious package -- a rolling luggage bag -- but found nothing of interest, nor any additional weapons.


A senior law enforcement official told Fox News the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force was on the scene providing "bomb tech" support.

The source said there was no indication of terrorism.

The lockdown came as Washington marked the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which attracts scores of tourists to Capitol Hill and the downtown Mall area.

Multiple law enforcement and emergency services responded quickly, including DC Metro Police Department and the DC Fire Department.

"U.S. Capitol Police are locking down the U.S. Capitol Building and the Capitol Visitor Center due to a potential security threat," Capitol Police spokeswoman Kimberly Schneider said. She said no one was allowed to enter or exit the two buildings.

Schneider said the lockdown was lifted around 3:45 p.m..

Congress has been on spring break for two weeks and lawmakers are set to return to work Monday.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/04/11...s-shots-fired/