The United States Capitol was placed under lockdown on Friday afternoon after a car allegedly collided with one of the barriers surrounding the complex, injuring two officers.
There was an “external security threat,” according to Capitol Police. No one was permitted to enter or exit the building, and employees were advised to avoid all doors and windows. According to police, a vehicle rammed into two Capitol Police officers, who were injured and taken to the hospital. According to police, a suspect is in custody.
Two people were seen on stretchers outside the Capitol, according to a Fox News reporter, and a helicopter was seen landing nearby to respond to the incident.
CRITICAL INCIDENT: USCP is responding to the North Barricade vehicle access point along Independence Avenue for reports someone rammed a vehicle into two USCP officers. A suspect is in custody. Both officers are injured. All three have been transported to the hospital. pic.twitter.com/4TXIdulJc6
— U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) April 2, 2021
A video posted on Twitter showcase injured officers been carried to the ambulance for treatment.
Appears that a car smashed into the barrier. Two people are on stretchers. Can’t see whether it’s an officer or civilian pic.twitter.com/Ud5WYGyKFu
— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) April 2, 2021
Another video released by Jake Sherman, a reporter from NBCnews shows a helicopter landing on the east front of the Capitol amid tension.
🚨🚨A helicopter just landed on the east front of the Capitol. I’ve never seen anything like this before. ever. pic.twitter.com/LxV0mywRSe
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) April 2, 2021
The incident occurs as the Capitol’s security perimeter has been reduced in recent weeks.
A few hours later, The Guardian’s reporter, Joanna Walters stated that ”
According to unconfirmed reports, the driver of the car got out of the vehicle brandishing a knife after ramming the two police officers.
Two Capitol Police officers have been hurt. This is according to congressional sources on Capitol Hill. There is no information about the identity or gender of the driver of the blue passenger sedan. According to two law enforcement officials, the driver was shot by police and is now in critical condition in the hospital.”
The suspect who rammed into two US Capitol Police Officers exited his vehicle brandishing a knife and was shot. The suspect and two officers were transported to the hospital. Footage via Fox News: pic.twitter.com/10TAUW6UNz
— RealTimBlack (@RealTimBlack) April 2, 2021
This is a developing story and we will keep it updated shortly.