The US Capitol Police have taken swift action in response to reports of a possible active shooter near the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington.
Russell Senate Office Building cleared following reports of active shooter
Here’s what we know so far:
Lockdown and Evacuation at Russell Senate Office Building
As reported by NBC News, upon receiving reports of a potential active shooter, the US Capitol Police quickly locked down and evacuated the Russell Senate Office Building.
The situation is still being actively investigated, and officers are conducting thorough searches of the area to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Capitol Police’s Response
The US Capitol Police addressed the situation on Twitter, alerting the public to the ongoing incident. They stated that they were responding to a “concerning 911 call” and asked people to stay away from the area while the investigation continues.
The agency also emphasised that there were no confirmed reports of gunshots at that time.
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As a precautionary measure, those who were already inside the Senate Buildings were instructed to shelter in place. The report of a possible active shooter prompted Capitol Police to advise individuals to find a safe location within their offices and avoid external doors and windows.
While the Russell Senate Office Building was evacuated, the security posture at the Capitol building itself remained calm yet alert. There was no immediate lockdown of the main Capitol building, but officers were on high alert and ready to respond if needed.
During the August recess, most lawmakers are away from the Capitol, engaging with their congressional districts.
However, staff members still report to their offices on Capitol Hill, even though there might be fewer people present due to the recess period.
Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation into the reports of a possible active shooter.
Check out some of the footage showing the chaos unfolding near the Russell Senate Office Building below: