The U.S. Capitol Police Clear Senate Following Reports of Active Shooter

The U.S. Capitol Police cleared the Senate after calling on people to stay inside the office buildings following reports of an active shooter on the compound on Wednesday.

Summer Recess: Majority of Lawmakers Not Present

The U.S. Senate was in summer recess and the majority of lawmakers were not in their offices.

Buildings Cleared, Offices Remain Closed

Shortly after 4 p.m. local time, USCP said “All buildings have been cleared at this time,” but the offices “have not been reopened.”

Possible Active Shooter, No Confirmed Reports of Gunshots

“If you are inside the Senate Buildings, everyone inside should be sheltering in place as the report was for a possible active shooter. It should be noted that we do not have any confirmed reports of gunshots,” the U.S. Capitol Police said in a post on social media.

Emergency Call Prompts Police Response

Police said they were responding to an emergency call.

Capitol Building Not on Highest Lockdown Level

One Senate staffer said that while the Capitol building itself was not on the highest level of lockdown, police advised all workers there to remain in their offices.

“If you are inside the Senate Buildings, everyone inside should be sheltering in place as the report was for a possible active shooter. It should be noted that we do not have any confirmed reports of gunshots,” the U.S. Capitol Police said in a post on social media.

Police said they responded to an emergency call.

Advisory: Move Inside Offices, Silence Electronic Equipment

An advisory from the Capitol Police urged people to move inside their offices and take emergency equipment. It also asked them to silence their electronic equipment and remain quiet.

Heavy Police Presence and Concerned Tourists

There was a heavy police presence outside the buildings, with some staffers standing outside and tourists gathered around the perimeters of the Capitol complex.