Capitol briefly on lockdown after 'person with gun attempts to enter'
The US Capitol building was briefly put on lockdown amid intense "police activity." People were told to take shelter in their offices, ensuring that the doors were locked. Reports suggest an armed person attempted to enter the building.
Law enforcement said they ordered the lockdown “because of police activity,” Reuters reports.
One Capitol Police officer told the news agency an “event” was under way and the authorities were looking for someone.
Police said no one would be allowed to leave or enter the building until the lockdown is lifted.
A congressional staffer was seen with a firearm in the building, according to the Hill publication.
The lockdown was soon lifted by Capitol police with an "all clear" to reopen the building. No further details about the alleged intruder were given.
It's
not the first alert in the US Capitol building. In March, the building
was on lockdown following an incident in which a 66-year-old man pulled a
gun on an officer outside. In April 2015, the entire area around the
Capitol was secured and searched after a man landed a gyrocopter on the
west lawn of the building. That same month the institution was locked
down after a man with a suitcase shot himself dead on the front steps.
https://www.rt.com/usa/350187-capitol-lock-down-gun/
One Capitol Police officer told the news agency an “event” was under way and the authorities were looking for someone.
Police said no one would be allowed to leave or enter the building until the lockdown is lifted.
Capitol on lockdown. We're not being allowed in building. But officers seem calm. No large amounts of extra support pic.twitter.com/fpn7mn7hNc— Justin Gray (@grayjustin) July 8, 2016
We're currently locked in the House chamber. Overheard a Capitol police officer say a woman entered Rayburn with a gun @CQnow— Katherine Scott (@KatherineBScott) July 8, 2016
Capitol Police tell people in the Capitol to silence their phones and "close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows."— Eric Geller (@ericgeller) July 8, 2016
On @HouseFloor. Locked in as @CapitolPolice address security situation. God bless them and every officer across America who protects us.— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) July 8, 2016
https://www.rt.com/usa/350187-capitol-lock-down-gun/