Watch CBS News

Police lift lockdown on U.S. Capitol building

House Chamber Lockdown
Capitol building briefly under lockdown 27:49

The lockdown on the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. has been lifted, according to Capitol police.

Earlier Friday morning, all occupants in the building, along with the Capitol Visitor Center, were advised to shelter in place due to police activity, according to a statement from the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-California, tweeted from the House floor early Friday that he was "locked in" as Capitol police officers addressed the security situation:

Capitol police said in a statement that a suspicious item "within the backpack of an employee" sparked the lockdown.

"Out of an abundance of caution, the Capitol was placed on lockdown to keep everyone safe until the circumstances could be verified," the statement read. "Upon further investigation, USCP determined that the item was not a threat to the safety and security of the Congressional community, and the lockdown was immediately lifted."

The Washington-based Roll Call news publication reported that the female employee in question was carrying a drill and tools in her backpack.

View CBS News In
CBS News App
Chrome Safari
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.