Police lock down US Capitol after suspected suicide

Shooter ‘neutralized’ and authorities investigating suspicious package left on lower west terrance of the building

The US Capitol building where Congress meets in Washington. (Shutterstock)
The US Capitol building where Congress meets in Washington. (Shutterstock)

Police said Saturday that the US Capitol is on lockdown as a precaution after shots were fired in what appears to be an attempted suicide.

Capitol Police spokeswoman Kimberly Schneider said the suspected shooter was “neutralized” after sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound. It’s unclear whether the man is dead. No one else is believed to be hurt.

Schneider also said Capitol Police are investigating a suspicious package on the lower west terrace of the building.

No one is being allowed to enter or exit the Capitol and the visitors’ center, and some streets around the complex are closed.

The lockdown comes during Washington’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which attracts many tourists.

Congress has been on spring break for two weeks and lawmakers are set to return to work Monday.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.

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