U.S. Capitol, Surrounding Buildings Briefly Placed On Lockdown
WASHINGTON (CBSNewYork/CBS News/AP) -- The U.S. Capitol and the buildings within its complex were placed on lockdown Tuesday afternoon, as police checked for reports of a person with a weapon.
The lockdown was lifted just before 5 p.m.
The incident Tuesday marks the second time in less than a week that the Capitol has been locked down.
Police sent an email to congressional staff advising them to close and lock doors and stay away from external doors and windows.
CBS News' Walt Cronkite reported that he received an email from the Senate advising people to shelter in place.
Both the House and Senate were in session at the time, with House members voting. In the Senate, lawmakers were delivering speeches from the floor.
U.S. Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-New York) was among the lawmakers tweeting from the House floor.
Lockdown @uscapitol. Currently on the House floor with other Members of Congress. We're safe.
— Charles Rangel (@cbrangel) July 12, 2016
Tourists sat in the visitors' gallery in the Senate, apparently unaware of what was transpiring.
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