The U.S. Capitol is on lockdown after an attacker rammed a car into two Capitol Police officers, injuring them, reports WKYC. Numerous other reports also noted gunfire in the area. Capitol staffers are being barred entry and exit from buildings on Capitol Hill.
Capitol Police say that the incident occurred near a checkpoint. A car — it appears to be a Nissan Altima — rammed a barricade, critically injuring two officers. The suspect was shot by officers. The officers and the suspect are being transported to the hospital.
It was later reported that one of the officers died. The other officer remains in critical condition. According to WKYC, this incident occurred about 300 feet from the entrance of the Senate side of the Capitol building. Senators generally use this entrance, however, Congress is in recess at this time.
Update Friday, April 2, 2021 2:55 p.m. EDT: Capitol Police held a briefing on the incident. Police say that the driver of the car rammed the barrier, exited the vehicle brandishing a knife and ran towards officers. Officers on the scene shot the suspect. Capitol Police reported that the suspect died from the gunshot wound.
At this time, officials don’t seem to see an immediate connection between this event and the violent insurrection of January 6, while Congress was voting to certify the election results. Fencing was put up after the insurrection to limit vehicle traffic, however some was recently removed. The investigation is still in its early stages, and police do not know why the person rammed the car into the barrier.
As for President Biden, at the time of the incident he was reported to have left the White House for Camp David.
Update Friday, April 2, 2021 4:56 p.m. EDT: Capitol Police have released a statement on Twitter with the latest information:
This is a breaking story, we will update as we know more.