Capitol police give all clear after Senate office buildings locked down over reports of shooter
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Authorities have given the all-clear after issuing a shelter-in-place order while a search of Senate office buildings near the U.S. Capitol was conducted Wednesday afternoon amid reports of an active shooter.
The U.S. Capitol Police announced on the X social media platform that the security response was prompted by a "concerning 911 call" regarding a "possible active shooter."
Our officers are searching in and around the Senate Office Buildings in response to a concerning 911 call. Please stay away from the area as we are still investigating. We will continue to communicate with the public here. pic.twitter.com/vqCY0I7u8m
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) August 2, 2023
As of 4:04 p.m., police said all the buildings have been cleared and all buildings were reopened as of 4:17 p.m., according to a post by Capitol police.
4:17 pm: USCP is standing by to prepare the Senate office buildings for re-entry. There is no active threat at this time.
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) August 2, 2023
Inside the Russell Senate Office Building, officers evacuated the hallways and shouted at people to run outside and away from the building. Outside, tourists watched as dozens of police cars surrounded the area.
Staff and journalists working in the building received an email instructing them to take shelter in a locked room, remain quiet and silence all electronics.
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate are currently on recess and the office buildings are generally less crowded than usual.