Breaking news out of Washington on Oct. 3, 2013, has the U.S. Capitol on lockdown after multiple reports of shots being fired outside. Fox News confirmed the news on Thursday around 2:30 p.m. ET.
Numerous reporters and other figures took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon to report that shots were indeed fired outside of the Capitol. Once the news hit of shots fired, the United States Capitol was officially put on complete and total lockdown.
UPDATE 7: Police were on a gun chase with a vehicle and gunfire was exchanged outside the U.S. Capitol. Police say they did not know a child was in the vehicle when they fired.
UPDATE 6: As of 3:00 p.m. ET, multiple reports state that the lockdown has been lifted.
UPDATE 5: Preliminary reports say that the gunshots came about due to a car chase that originated around the White House and went up toward Capitol Hill. A driver got out of the car and was fired on, but there is no word as to why the chase or shooting happened.
UPDATE 4: Gunfire reportedly was near Hart Sen. Office Building. Capitol Police say they don't "believe anyone is in danger," but want to keep Shelter In Place order intact.
UPDATE 3: The Senate has gone into recess and Capitol Police have issued a "Shelter in Place" order. There are numerous police everywhere outside the Capitol and surrounding area.
UPDATE 2: Capitol police announce there is an "active shooter" situation.
UPDATE: NBC Washington reported there were "three distinct booms" and then tourists running in all directions.
Robert Costa of the National Review posted a series of tweets:
"Shots fired at the Capitol"
"Capitol is on lockdown, shots outside the Capitol"
"Horrible news coming over the police radio in House press gallery"
"Cops sound frantic, lots of scratchy noise and screams"
There is not a lot known at this time as to what exactly happened. All that is confirmed is that there have been multiple reports of gunshots and the U.S. Capitol is indeed on lockdown. There are also reports of an injured Capitol police officer.
Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times tweeted a photo of the U.S. Capitol steps with a police officer laying down and his rifle aimed outward.
For e-mail updates whenever a new article is posted, please subscribe at the bottom of the page and follow me on Twitter, GoogleBuzz, or join my group on Facebook and Celebrity Buzz.
