WASHINGTON (AA) – One man has been taken into custody after allegedly opening fire at the Capitol on Monday. On Oct. 22, 2015, Larry Dawson at a a previous incident at the Capitol yelled “I’m a prophet of God” from the balcony of the House of Representatives.
Earlier reports that the shooter injured a Capitol Police Officer have been contested, and it’s unclear if anyone was injured.
The shooting at the Capitol Visitors Center prompted lockdowns on Capitol Hill and at the White House.
Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant At Arms’ office did not immediately return inquiries for additional details.
On Twitter, the Senate Sergeant At Arms said that a “shelter in place” order had been lifted at the Capitol, but that it would be open for official business only.
The visitor center remains closed. DC Police said on Twitter that there is no active threat to the public.
Congress is on recess, and lawmakers are currently in their home states.
The shooting comes during a high point of tourist activity in the nation’s capitol with thousands of tourists visiting for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and Easter Egg Roll.
Author Michael Hernandez
[Photo: Capitol Hill. Photographer: Elliot P/AA]
