UPDATE: The lockdown has been lifted, and the all clear has been given. It’s still unclear why the Capitol was placed on lockdown, but police were reportedly searching for a female staffer who had a gun in her bag.
Update: Woman who may have a gun in her bag being urgently sought by Capitol Hill security. Lockdown in place
— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) July 8, 2016
The U.S. Capitol is reportedly on lockdown, with reports of a gun on the grounds.
“The United States Capitol was placed under a lockdown on Friday morning, possibly due to a gun on the campus,” The Hill reported. “Rep. Dennis Ross (R-Fla.) told The Hill that a staffer was seen in the building with a firearm. A second lawmaker added the firearm made it past security, where metal detectors and police officers routinely screen anyone coming in to the Capitol or the handful of connected office buildings.”
The Hill added that staffers in the Capitol “were told to go into an office room and ‘close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows.’”
“While the building is under lockdown, people are prevented from entering or leaving the Capitol Building and the adjacent visitor’s center,” The Hill wrote.
One source said that Capitol police are looking for a woman. The Associated Press reported as well that: “Capitol police say they are searching for an individual but offered no details.”
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