The U.S. Capitol and adjacent buildings were locked down Thursday afternoon, after multiple gun shots were fired on Capitol Hill.
Capitol Police have advised House and Senate employees to “shelter in place” and move away from and lock doors and windows. The order was lifted around 3 p.m.
Two eyewitness said U.S. Capitol Police fired multiple shots at a black sedan on Constitution Avenue near the Hart Senate Office Building. Two people — including a child — were removed from the vehicle. One adult from the vehicle appeared to be hit by gunfire, according to a eyewitness on the scene. A helicopter landed on Capitol grounds, and one person was taken away.
Secret Service at the White House say the car slammed into the south side of the White House gate and then fled to Capitol.
When shots were fired, Capitol Police cleared the plaza on the East Front of the Capitol, and quickly moved dozens of members of Congress, aides, reporters and tourists into rooms.
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) was on the balcony off of the speaker’s lobby when he heard what he said sounded like “fireworks,” he told reporters. Guards immediately told members on the balcony to step inside.
Rep. Bill Posey (R-Fla.), who was also on the balcony, said he heard “five or six” gunshots.
“Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!” Posey told POLITICO. “Then sirens went off, cops started going everywhere yelling ‘get inside, get inside!’”
Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) stayed in the U.S. Senate chamber.
While being interviewed by a reporter, McCaskill was pulled into the chamber by a Capitol Police officer.
“Senator, we’re locking down the Capitol” the officer yelled.
The front plaza outside the White House was closed. Six Secret Service cars with lights and sirens sped down 17th Street toward the White House, followed by another two with motorcycles.
Capitol Police immediately announced a message on emergency radio to all House and Senate offices, and sent out an e-mail to congressional staff.
“Gunshots have been reported on Capitol Hill requiring all occupants in all House Office Buildings to shelter in place,” Capitol Police wrote in an email to all House staff.
“Close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows. Take annunciators, Go Kits and escape hoods; and move to the innermost part of the office away from external doors or windows. If you are not in your office, take shelter in the nearest office, check in with your OEC and wait for USCP to clear the incident. No one will be permitted to enter or exit the building until directed by USCP. All staff should monitor the situation. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.”
