WASHINGTON (AP) - A Capitol Police officer has been killed after a man rammed a car into two officers at a barricade outside the U.S. Capitol and then emerged wielding a knife. The suspect died at a hospital.
Capitol Police Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman did not identify the slain officer or suspect.
Authorities said there was no longer an ongoing threat and that the attack did not appear to be related to terrorism.
The crash and shooting happened at a security checkpoint near the Capitol as Congress is on recess.
It comes as the Washington region remains on edge nearly three months after a mob of armed insurrectionists stormed the Capitol as Congress was voting to certify Joe Biden’s presidential win.
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AP source: Driver who rammed a car into 2 police officers outside US Capitol has died after being shot by authorities.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Capitol Police Department says two of its officers were injured when someone rammed a vehicle into a barricade outside the building Friday afternoon.
The department says a suspect is in custody. That person and the two officers have been transported to area hospitals, according to police.
Two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press that the driver got out of the vehicle while appearing to brandish a knife before being shot by authorities.
The AP reports that at least one of the officers is in “serious condition” and the driver is in “critical condition.”
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
The U.S. Capitol was placed on a lockdown as a result of the incident. According to screenshots of a text alert, staff in the building were warned of an “external security threat.”
They were told that no one could enter or exit and were advised to stay away from exterior windows and doors. And if they were outside, they were told to “seek cover.”
🚨🚨Capitol staff just got this text message
I’m in the Capitol and will keep everyone posted here. pic.twitter.com/ydQGyCJcof
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) April 2, 2021
NBC News reporter Jake Sherman captured a video of a helicopter landing on the east front of the Capitol. He said the area was "swarming with police officers."
🚨🚨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
This ramming incident comes nearly three months after insurrectionists stormed the Capitol as Congress was voting to certify Joe Biden’s presidential win. Five people died during or shortly after the riot and the D.C. area remains on edge, with heightened security.
This story is breaking and will be updated.
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
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