Gunshots were reported in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C., Monday.
Workers and others in the Capitol were instructed to shelter in place as police investigated the reports of a shooting. Congress and the White House were also placed on lockdown following the reports.
Shortly after gunshots were reported on social media, the Capitol’s Sergeant at Arms said that the suspect had been caught, according to Roll Call. Initial reports indicated that a police officer had been shot, though officials said later that no officers were injured.
The shelter in place order was lifted about 50 minutes after it was issued and the lockdowns were also lifted.
The suspect tried to enter the Capitol Visitor Center but set off the metal detectors, CNN reported. He pulled out a weapon when approached by security, which led a Capitol police officer to shoot him. A female bystander was injured by shrapnel.
During a news conference Monday afternoon, Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa said that the suspect had visited the Capitol grounds before.
"We believe this is an act of a single person who has frequented the Capitol grounds before, and there is no reason to believe this is anything more than a criminal act," Verderosa said. "The suspect was taken into custody and transported tot he hospital for treatment. The suspect is currently undergoing surgery. His condition is unknown at this time. A weapon was recovered on the scene."
Verderosa characterized the female civilian’s injuries as "minor." She has been transported to a hospital, he said.
Some reports indicated that the suspect was Larry Dawson, a Tennessee man who was arrested last October after disrupting proceedings at the House of Representatives, though Verderosa declined to confirm the reports Monday afternoon. Capitol police later identified the suspect as Dawson. He has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon and assault on a police officer while armed.
BREAKING: Gunshots reported in U.S. Capitol visitors center, workers in Capitol told to "shelter in place": Senate sources
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) March 28, 2016
Shelter in place remains in effect as Capitol Police continue to investigate. Please stay in your assigned location. #alert
— SenateSergeantAtArms (@SenateSAA) March 28, 2016
The report of gunshots came at about 2:45 p.m. Monday afternoon, and the incident shut down streets in the area and created gridlock.
Earlier, a journalist for the Post and Courier wrote that Capitol police instructed reporters to remain inside the Senate Press Gallery.
Capitol Police says something is going on outside and we are supposed to stay in the Senate press gallery so there’s that.
— Emma Dumain (@Emma_Dumain) March 28, 2016
The Washington area is swarmed with tourists in town for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The D.C. Police Department described the incident as an isolated one and said that there was no active threat posed to the public.
This post will be updated as further information becomes available.