Gunshots Fired Near Capitol Hill Leaving Female Suspect Dead
A woman was killed by police earlier today after trying to ram gates at White House.
Police opened fire earlier today near the U.S. capitol building and White House, during a car chase. According to CNN, authorities hit the woman driving the car, killing her. The vehicle also contained a child, who appeared to be uninjured. No weapons were found in the suspects car.
The cause of the chase occurred after the female driver attempted to ram the White House gates. The woman circled the monuments in front of Capitol Hill twice, while being pursued, according to ABC News. She then headed toward the Capitol building where police, and secret service, fired and shot the woman.
The chaos of the situation brought a large response of emergency vehicles and caused Congress, and surrounding buildings, to be on temporary lockdown at 2:25 p.m. Police also shut down Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. Witnesses said that the gunshots sounded like fireworks going off.
The FBI sent out units to the scene in response to the reports of the shots on the Senate side of the Capitol near Garfield Circle. According to CNN, one officer was injured in the crash.
The Senate and the House were immediately suspended. A Capitol Police bulletin said the reports of the gun shots required, “all occupants in all House office buildings to shelter in place. Close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows.”
Authorities later lifted the lockdown at 2:55 p.m. President Obama has been briefed on the situation. Officials say that there is no indication of terrorism. They also say it appears to have been an isolated incident involving the lone vehicle.
The Capitol has been the center this week of a major political battle over the currently ongoing government shutdown.
Cailley Breckinridge is sophomore Telecommunications Major. This is her second semester writing for BUNow and she is currently the On-Campus Editor.
