Shots Fired, US Capitol Locked Down

Code Red in Washington: Shots were fired today near the U.S. Capitol building. Initially, we were told that the shooter had been “neutralized.” However, the police reported later that the man had killed himself.

After shots were fired near the United States Congress building in Washington, the relevant police authorities claim to have stopped the alleged shooter. According to spokesperson Kimberly Schneider, he had been “neutralized.”

The police reported later on, however, that the unknown man had committed suicide. He is reported to have shot himself. A high-ranking federal official also intimated that he had no documents on his person.

The Congress building and the visitor center attached to it were completely locked down as a security measure. In addition, a “suspicious package” was discovered on the west terrace. According to reports by the American television broadcaster NBC, this was a suitcase found near the gunman’s body.

As Congress is currently in recess, there are only a few congressmen present in the American capital. However, there are a great deal of tourists in Washington at the moment as the famous cherry blossom season, which attracts visitors from all corners of the country to the area, is in full swing.