WASHINGTON, D.C. — A shooting that prompted the lockdown of the U.S. Capitol Saturday was a suicide, Capitol police spokeswoman Kimberly Schneider said.
“Confirmed: self-inflicted gunshot by neutralized subject,” Schneider said. “Multiple law enforcement/emergency services have responded in support of the incident.”
The building was locked down as a precaution after shots were fired on the west front of the building, Schneider said. The lockdown continued even after the incident was described as a suicide.
About 3:50 p.m., the lockdown was lifted and pedestrian traffic was allowed, Schneider said, though the west front remained closed until further notice.
U.S. Capitol Police officers also were investigating a suspicious package on the lower west terrace of the Capitol, Schneider said.
Capitol police sent this message to congressional staff: “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. Additional information will be provided as available.”
No one was allowed to enter or exit the Capitol building or the Capitol Visitors Center during the lockdown.
Several streets in the area were closed.
