U.S. Capitol briefly on lockdown

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Capitol and its office buildings were briefly locked down Tuesday, the second time in a week amid nervousness over recent shootings.

"Shortly before 4:10 p.m. today, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) ordered a lockdown of the Capitol Complex after reports of shots fired at Metropolitan Police Department officers, leading to a pursuit that ended at the exit of the Third Street Tunnel," the Capitol Police Board said in a statement.

"Two suspects were arrested and taken into custody on the scene. One of the three suspects fled the scene, causing the lockdown until the suspect could be apprehended," the statement said. "Once the suspect was located and taken into custody, the lockdown was lifted."

CBS News' Walt Cronkite reported that he received an email from the Senate advising people to shelter in place. Police had sent an email to congressional staff advising them to close and lock doors and stay away from external doors and windows.

The Capitol lockdown began at 4:20 p.m. and the all clear was given over a loudspeaker at 4:45 p.m., CBS Radio News' Steve Portnoy reported.

Both the House and Senate were in session, with House members voting. In the Senate, lawmakers were delivering speeches from the floor.

Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-New York) was among the lawmakers tweeting from the House floor.

Tourists sat in the visitors' gallery in the Senate, apparently unaware of what was transpiring.

Last Friday, the U.S. Capitol was briefly locked down after reports that a woman with a gun was attempting to enter the building. It turned out to be a false alarm.

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• Lockdown