The Capitol Police is looking for a possible active shooter at the US Capitol, forcing the Senate office buildings to be placed on lockdown after a ‘concerning’ 911 call.
Staff have been told to hide in their offices and keep their phones on silent.
Capitol Police tweeted on Wednesday afternoon at 2:45 p.m.: ‘Our officers are searching in and around the Senate Office Buildings in response to a concerning 911 call.’
‘Please stay away from the area as we are still investigating. We will continue to communicate with the public here.’
The Capitol Police also confirmed that they ‘do not have any confirmed reports of gunshots.’
Congress is on recess, meaning most senators are not in Washington, D.C.
The House Sergeant at Arms put out a message to staff confirming the Capitol Police are responding to a ‘Potential Internal Security Threat in the Senate Office Buildings.’
They advised to ‘avoid the area’ and check back for more information.
A video posted to social media showed Senate staffers streaming out of the Russell Senate Office Building accompanied by police officers.
Some had their hands up in the air as they exited the government building.
As of 3:15 p.m., the Capitol Police were still urging staff to shelter in place as they continued to investigate.
However, the D.C. Metropolitan Police said it ‘appeared to be a bad call’ and no shooter was located.
An all-clear has still yet to be issued.
