The Capitol is on lockdown Friday afternoon amid reports of gunshots near the complex. Details are scarce, but ABC News reports that two officers were injured by a car, one critically, and returned fire. CNN says one officer and the attacker have died. The attacker reportedly exited the vehicle to stab an officer with a knife.
The gunfight reportedly occurred near the Capitol complex’s north barricade. All three people involved have been taken to a hospital.
Capitol Police say the lockdown is “due to an external security threat.” Staffers have been banned from entering or leaving the building while officials appraise the situation. The message announcing the lockdown went out at around 1:20 p.m.
A law enforcement official told the Associated Press that officers were responding to a potential shooting on a street nearby.
It's been 86 days since the Capitol Building was breached by right-wing rioters. The repercussions of that attempt to disrupt the certification of Electoral College votes are still playing out today, along with heightened concerns for the safety of lawmakers.
Members of the National Guard remain in Washington as part of the enhanced security posture that has been in place since the deadly riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Photo: AFP / Brendan Smialowski
