Police swarm US Capitol after report of shooting pic.twitter.com/B4wOCZzgFF
— robert lopez (@LAJourno) April 11, 2015
The incident occurred during Washington's Cherry Blossom period, a peak tourist weekend. Several people witnessed the event, some tweeting what they saw.
— Madi Patten (@madi_patten44) April 11, 2015
Just witnessed someone shoot themselves at the US Capitol.. Whole place is on lockdown��������
— David Ingham (@dodobird96) April 11, 2015
"Shots have been fired on the West Front of the US Capitol Building," US Capitol Police said in a statement. "The suspected shooter has been neutralized but the US Capitol Building has been locked down as a precautionary measure. US Capitol Police are locking down the US Capitol Building and the Capitol Visitor Center due to a potential security threat."
Two Ambulances just left with siren's off…but more police equipment arrived with them on @WNEW pic.twitter.com/q4mkya83JA
— Brett Hall (@BrettHall17) April 11, 2015
In what police are saying might be a related incident, they are also continuing to investigate a suspicious package on the lower West Terrace of the Capitol Building.
Bigger response than usual for a suspicious package at the #Capitol this afternoon pic.twitter.com/8HMUMeun0q
— Greg Brooks (@GregBrooksOH) April 11, 2015
As a result of the incidents, area streets have been closed off including First Street between Independence Avenue, SW and Constitution Avenue, NW.
