The United States Capitol Police ordered Senate offices to shelter in place on Wednesday due to a “concerning 911 call.”
Metropolitan Police Department spokesman Officer Hugh Carew told The Daily Signal around 3 p.m. that “a call came in for an active shooter” but that call “appears to be a bad call.”
“No injuries and no shooter were located,” Carew said. “MPD is assisting U.S. Capitol Police.”
“Please stay away from the area as we are still investigating,” the Capitol Police had said in a Twitter post around 2:34 p.m. “We will continue to communicate with the public here. If you are inside the Senate Buildings, everyone inside should be sheltering in place as the report was for a possible active shooter. It should be noted that we do not have any confirmed reports of gunshots.”
Townhall’s Katie Pavlich also tweeted Wednesday afternoon: “I’m being told there is an active shooting threat in the Russell Senate Office Building. Staff in Dirksen have been given an announcement to lock all doors, shelter in place and remain quiet.”
And according to Punchbowl News founder Jake Sherman, Capitol Police sent an email to hill staff warning staffers of an “internal security threat” and asking them to move inside their offices immediately and take emergency equipment and visitors with them.
“Close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows,” the email says. “If you are in a public space, find a place to hide or seek cover. Remain quiet and silence electronics. Once you are in a safe location, immediately check in with your OEC. No one will be permitted to enter or exit the building until directed by USCP.”
“If you are in a building outside of the affected area, remain clear of the police activity,” the email adds. “Await further direction.”
Videos posted by press on Capitol Hill show people being evacuated from Senate office buildings with their hands up.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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