Police Officer Reported Injured in Shooting Outside U.S. Capitol

The first calls were reports of multiple gunshots near the Senate Hart Office Building, and people were seen running, CNN reported.

Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly was standing on a balcony of the U.S. Capitol with Rep. Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania when they heard two bursts of gunfire coming from the direction of the Rayburn Office Building, The Washington Post reported.

“It was almost like two very rapid fire bursts, very loud,” Connolly told the Post. “They were clearly coming from the direction. That’s when we saw people fleeing, and we realized this was no fireworks. It sounds liked the first volley of a 21 gun salute.”

He said he could see people fleeing from the Rayburn building and police officers running toward it before he was shepherded back into the building. Connolly told the paper he was told by the Sergeant-at-Arms that a suspect has been apprehended.

Capitol Police sent out the following advisory to staffers:

"SHELTER IN PLACE. Gunshots have been reported on Capitol Hill requiring all occupants in all House Office Buildings to shelter in place. Close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows. Take annunciators, Go Kits and escape hoods; and move to the innermost part of the office away from external doors or windows. If you are not in your office, take shelter in the nearest office, check in with your OEC and wait for USCP to clear the incident. No one will be permitted to enter or exit the building until directed by USCP. All staff should monitor the situation. Further information will be provided as it becomes available."