US: Gunman arrested after shooting police at the Capitol building

Police in Washington on Monday arrested a gunman who reportedly shot and injured a police officer inside the Capitol building complex.

Gunshots were heard in the Capitol’s Visitors Center and workers were told to seek shelter.

The complex was placed on lockdown, but the security precaution was later lifted.

Washington’s City Police called it an “isolated” incident, saying there was “no active threat” to the public, the BBC reported.

Sources: Capitol suspect drew gun after alarm sounded when he went through metal detectors. https://t.co/45gbLLbf5E

— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) March 28, 2016

US Capitol Police Chief, Matthew Verderosa told the media that gunman was rather shot when he removed a weapon when being screened in the Capitol’s Visitors Center.

“Today at approximately 2:39 p.m. an adult male subject entered the north screening facility of the Capitol’s Visitors Center. During routine administrative screening, the individual drew what appeared to be a weapon and pointed it at officers. An officer fired and struck the suspect who was subsequently treated by medical personnel. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the hospital for treatment. The suspect is currently undergoing surgery. His condition is unknown at this time,” Verderosa said.

A female bystander who was also wounded was taken to hospital for treatment.

Police Chief Verderosa said: “Based on initial investigation, we believe this is an act of a single person who has frequented the Capitol grounds before. There is no reason to believe this is anything more than a criminal act.”

The US Congress was on recess for the Easter holiday but there a few lawmakers and other staff on site when the incident happened.

According to Reuters, the shooting happened just a few hours after a drill for an active shooter took place at the Capitol, creating further confusion.

The Secret Service temporarily cleared tourists from an area surrounding the White House after the incident, but activities quickly went back to normal.

Reuters, News Agencies