US Capitol, tourists and government leaders under attack: Gunshots fired

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Capitol is not only a focus for visitors and the tourism world in Washington DC, but also the focus point where it was decided to close down the US Government. Today the U.S. Capitol complex was put on lockdown after the gunfire that left at least one police officer injured.

Thursday afternoon, a woman was shot by police after she attempted to ram the barricades at the White House Thursday afternoon and then gave chase toward the Capitol, Capitol Police Chief Kim Dine said. Dine said it appeared to be an isolated incident and not terrorism related. Though there are reports that the suspect was killed, Dine said he could not confirm that.

The Capitol building was locked down for about 30 minutes following reports of gunshots.

The reports comes two weeks after a deadly shooting at the nearby Navy Yard and amid a government shutdown.

Associated Press reports that a warning was sounded, the House abruptly went into recess and lawmakers left the chamber floor. The House had just finished approving legislation aimed at partly lifting the government shutdown by paying National Guard and Reserve members.

People standing outside the Supreme Court across the street from Congress were hurried into the court building by authorities.

According to AP, the White House was quickly locked down after the incident at Capitol Hill and the stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the compound was closed to pedestrians. Secret Service said the procedures were precautionary.