Lockdown on US Capitol Lifted

Lockdown on US Capitol Lifted

ByABC News
July 8, 2016, 9:27 AM

— -- U.S. Capitol Police have reopened the Capitol building and the lock down has been lifted, after earlier reports indicated they were investigating a report of a person of interest.

U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) spokeswoman Eva Malecki confirming the news in a statement, "Lifting lockdown. Returning to normal operations."

The lock down halted all proceedings on the U.S. House floor earlier this morning.

"Out of an abundance of caution, the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Visitor Center are on lockdown while USCP investigates a report of a person of interest," the statement said. "Building occupants are advised to shelter in place and await further USCP instructions."

The full alert sent at 9:08 a.m. read:

Police activity has been reported requiring occupants in the U.S. Capitol Building and Capitol Visitor Center to immediately:

• Close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows

• Take annunciators, emergency kits and escape hoods; move to your office's assigned shelter in place location or the innermost part of the office away from external doors or windows until USCP has cleared the incident

• If you are not near your office, take shelter in the office nearest to you and then check in with your OEC

• Silence mobile phones

• The buildings are locked down. No one will be permitted to enter or exit until directed by the USCP

• Further information will be provided as it becomes available