Capitol Hill on lockdown after shooting outside, suspicious package found

[Bukyanagandi]

Photo:The US Capitol.

The US Capitol has been placed on lockdown after reports a protester shot himself on the building's steps. Police confirm shooting occurred, but do not comment on the possible suicide. A suspicious package has also been found at the scene.

The suspected shooter has been "neutralized," but the Capitol was locked down as a precautionary measure, Capitol Police spokeswoman Sgt. Kimberly Schneider said.

"US Capitol Police are locking down the US Capitol Building and the Capitol Visitor Center due to a potential security threat," said Schneider. "No one will be allowed to enter or exit the US Capitol Building and the Capitol Visitors Center."

Police are also investigating a suspicious package left on the lower west terrace of the building.

NBC Washington reports that the alleged gunman shot himself and that the package under investigation is a suitcase left nearby. Police are also reportedly searching the man's car.

Twitter users say the shot man was a protester. They say he was holding up a placard, which read "Tax the 1 percent."

According to ABC news, the man was wearing a blue backpack and had a sign taped to his hand.
None of these reports have yet been confirmed by the authorities.