U.S. Capitol Police officer shot in D.C.; suspicious package found in New York

Michaela Ramm
March 28, 2016

Authorities reported that a U.S. Capitol Police officer was shot at the Capitol Visitor Center complex in Washington, D.C., on Monday afternoon, sending the capitol city into lockdown.

The shooter was taken into custody. Police shot the suspect, who underwent surgery shortly afterward, the Associated Press reported.

The condition of the officer who was shot is unknown. AP reported that initial reports state a police officer sustained minor injuries, but later reports “raised doubts about who, if anyone, was shot.” Information released later confirmed the officer was not harmed.

A female bystander also sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital, AP reported.

Visitors, staff and others in the complex were not allowed to leave their offices and were told to “shelter in place,” AP also reported.

The Capitol, as well as its office buildings, were put on lockdown, which was lifted about an hour after initial reports of gunfire, AP stated.

The White House was also put briefly into lockdown, which was lifted shortly afterward.

MSNBC reported that Capitol police were “familiar” with the suspect and that the suspect had interrupted a House session in October.

In a press conference with Capitol police, officials said preliminary information indicates it was a criminal act, and not a terrorist one.

Shortly after the gunman shot the officer, a suspicious package was found in Times Square in New York City. It is unclear if these incidents are related.

A bomb squad was called to investigate the package, and the area has been cleared, Scripps National reported. 

An all-clear was called shortly after, Scripps National also reported.