The U.S. Capitol was briefly put on a security lockdown Thursday afternoon after gunshots were reported outside the building.
U.S. Capitol police reported at least one person wounded in the shooting. The victim was identified as a Capitol police officer.
It still is not clear what precipitated the shooting, but there are various reports that a car chase ensured from near the White House to the streets near the Capitol.
The reports come during a partial government shutdown that began Monday after lawmakers could not reach agreement on a spending bill.
In a notice sent by email, Capitol police advised people inside the Capitol building to "close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows." VOA congressional correspondent Cindy Saine said some members of Congress were briefly locked inside the House chamber during the lockdown.
The Senate also halted all business before the lockdown was lifted, and the Secret Service cleared people off Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House.
Officials said President Barack Obama was inside the White House at the time and was briefed on the reports.
U.S. Capitol police reported at least one person wounded in the shooting. The victim was identified as a Capitol police officer.
It still is not clear what precipitated the shooting, but there are various reports that a car chase ensured from near the White House to the streets near the Capitol.
The reports come during a partial government shutdown that began Monday after lawmakers could not reach agreement on a spending bill.
In a notice sent by email, Capitol police advised people inside the Capitol building to "close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows." VOA congressional correspondent Cindy Saine said some members of Congress were briefly locked inside the House chamber during the lockdown.
The Senate also halted all business before the lockdown was lifted, and the Secret Service cleared people off Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House.
Officials said President Barack Obama was inside the White House at the time and was briefed on the reports.