UPDATES WITH END OF LOCKDOWN
WASHINGTON (AA) – A second lockdown at the U.S. Capitol within a week has been lifted following the arrest of two men accused of shooting at police officers Tuesday, according to media reports.
Police have also recovered a gun at the scene, according to the local WUSA 9 television station.
No official details about the incident have been released but some media sources reported that police told lawmakers the lockdown was triggered by an incident close to the complex.
In an email, police reportedly advised congressional staff to lock and stay away from external doors and windows.
The Capitol was placed on lockdown after reports of “police activity” near the complex, according to Capitol Police instructions at the visitor center.
Access to and from the visitor center and all units of the building were closed at 4.15 p.m. (2115GMT).
ABC News reported that police said they issued lockdown orders after receiving a call from a man reportedly with a machine gun.
The House of Representatives was conducting a vote and Senate lawmakers were delivering speeches on the floor of its chambers.
Last Friday, the Capitol was temporarily locked down after police believed a woman took a weapon into the complex.
