A suspect was shot at the U.S. Capitol on Friday and was in custody after striking and injuring two Capitol Police officers with a vehicle near the heavily guarded northern entrance to the building, according to a congressional official briefed by security officials.
The Capitol was locked down and a National Guard quick-response team as well as local police were on hand at the already heavily fortified complex, as the Capitol Police instructed staff to remain indoors, away from doors and windows.
Eyewitnesses posted videos of a large law enforcement response in the most serious security incident at the complex since the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the building that injured dozens and killed five people.
“A suspect is in custody,” the Capitol Police said on Twitter. “Both officers are injured. All three have been transported to the hospital.”
Images from the incident posted on social media as the episode unfolded appeared to show emergency workers treating someone on the driveway of the Capitol. And a blue car could be seen rammed into one of the security barricades outside the Capitol, with the driver’s side door and trunk open.
One member of the news media, Jake Sherman, posted a video showing a helicopter landing near the building, hovering a few feet off the ground, then careening through trees as police vehicles drove across the plaza. The official briefed on the incident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said at least one of the officers had been medevaced to a hospital.
With Congress in recess, most lawmakers were not on Capitol Hill, and President Biden had left Washington earlier in the day for Camp David. But many staff aides were in and around the Capitol working or receiving coronavirus vaccinations.
A reporter informed Jen Psaki, Mr. Biden’s spokeswoman, about the incident during her daily press briefing at the White House. She said Mr. Biden was accompanied on his trip by national security aides who would update him on developments.
Shortly after 1 p.m., an alarm came and an alert was sent to all staff members on Capitol Hill during a lull period as staffers were preparing for the return of lawmakers later this month.
“Capitol: Due to an external security threat located All U.S. Capitol Campus Buildings, no entry or exit is permitted at this time. You may move throughout the building(s) but stay away from exterior windows and doors. If you are outside, seek cover,” said a message sent from the Capitol Police.
ImagePolice officers surround the scene after a car that crashed into a barrier on Capitol Hill.Credit...J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press
The attack came more than a week after officials removed a perimeter fence topped with razor wire that had been placed around the complex to guard against follow-up attacks, and re-opened the streets surrounding the Capitol to vehicle traffic.
An inner-perimeter fence around the actual Capitol building remains in place while police and lawmakers continue to hash out a long-term security plan.
Emily Cochrane is a reporter in the Washington bureau, covering Congress. She was raised in Miami and graduated from the University of Florida. @ESCochrane
Nicholas Fandos is congressional correspondent, based in Washington. He has covered
