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Capitol Shooting Suspect in Custody, Lockdown Lifted

WASHINGTON — U.S. Capitol police shot a male suspect Monday afternoon following reports of gunfire at the Capitol Visitor Center, law enforcement official...
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WASHINGTON — U.S. Capitol police shot a male suspect Monday afternoon following reports of gunfire at the Capitol Visitor Center, law enforcement officials said.

A female civilian bystander was injured by shrapnel, but no U.S. Capitol Police officers have been injured.

The gunman attempted to go through the metal detectors at the Capitol Visitor Center entrance. When those magnetometers beeped, he was stopped by security and then pulled out a gun. A Capitol police officer then shot him, sources told CNN.

The Capitol complex was locked down for nearly an hour following the incident. The Senate Sergeant at Arms has told staffers and others to “return to normal operations.”

“Per USCP, shelter in place has been lifted and the Capitol is open for official business only. Capitol Visitor Center remains closed,” the Senate Sergeant at Arms tweeted.

No other suspects appear to be at large, according to a notice sent to Senate staffers.

“There has been an isolated incident at the U.S. Capitol. There is no active threat to the public,” the D.C. Police Department tweeted.

Police and firefighters swarmed the entrance of the visitor center, which is packed this week with tourists, spring break visitors and school groups.

Congressional staffers were sent a notice to shelter in place, instructing them to lock doors and move to assigned shelter areas. Those outside the buildings on the Capitol complex were told to “seek cover away from the area.”

Most lawmakers were away from the Capitol on Monday.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, who is not currently in Washington, has been briefed on the incident, according to his spokesman.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is in Louisville and his staff is safe, his spokesman said.

The White House was also briefly closed its North and South fence lines as a precautionary measure after the Capitol incident.

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