Iowans were not immune to Tuesday’s multi-terrorist attack on the United States.

Politicians who represent Iowa in Washington, D.C. were on the front lines of the attack.

Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Davis City, said he was sitting in his office at the U.S. Capitol relaxing when his chief of staff came in and told him to turn on CNN.

“I am in shock and disbelief from this well-coordinated attack on Americans and I don’t know if it is over yet,” he said. “A lot of Americans have given up their lives.”

After the attack, the U.S. Capital was evacuated with senators and representatives being dispersed all over the city, he said, the majority returning to their Washington, D.C. homes.

“We are being told to keep our pagers on so we can be reached,” Boswell said.

Congress doesn’t know when it will meet again, but talks about releasing money for search and rescue operations are underway, Boswell said.

Iowans began to hear of the attack around 8 a.m.

Gov. Tom Vilsack was at home when he first learned of the event. He went into work instead of staying at his residence.

“I showed up today to reassure workers that it is safe to come into work today,” Vilsack said.

Although workers could take the day off, he encouraged workers to stay and set an example for other employees around the country, he said.

The state capitol is still open, but with limited access, Vilsack said. The Iowa State Patrol and the Iowa National Guard are on peak alert, he said.

Col. Robert King said the Iowa National Guard is taking precautionary measures in light of the incidents along the East Coast.

“An increased level of security has been implemented at all Iowa National Guard facilities,” he said.

King said the Iowa National Guard squad of F-16s located in Des Moines, are also on a heightened alert, but he refused to comment on where or when Guard men and women will be deployed.

Many businesses closed their doors after learning of the attack. Shopping malls in Davenport, Coralville and Des Moines closed along with some private colleges and public offices.

Religious institutes across the state spent last night in prayer vigils. Vigils took place near the Campanile and at several Ames churches.

“We should extend a helping hand,” Vilsack said. “The most powerful response to something like this is prayer.”

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy said his thoughts and prayers go out to those involved in this tragedy.

“We must come together as a community,” he said.

School wasn’t canceled at Iowa State because the school’s administration felt it wasn’t appropriate at the time, said Warren Madden, vice president of Business and Finance.

“We encourage faculty members to talk about the issue,” he said.

To find out about university events and activities that may be canceled, Madden said the ISU Web site will offer the most current information.

Early Tuesday, K-12 school districts across the state were rumored to be closing, but superintendents instead felt it was best to keep the students in school.

“We did not release kids from the classroom today because it would only add to the chaos,” said Tim Taylor, deputy superintendent for Ames Community School District.

The Ames Police Department kept in touch with the school district and helped with security issues, he said. Ames Community School District has extensive security policies in place and the district implemented those policies effectively, he said.

In Des Moines, school representatives said they were telling older children what was happening, but wanted parents to be the judge on whether they would tell the younger students. Parents who felt their children might be in danger were encouraged to pick up their children.

Iowa State Daily reporter Anna Holland contributed to this story.