The US Capitol Hill is on lockdown in Washington DC after shots were fired on Saturday afternoon.
Reports from local media say that a protester had shot himself on the building’s step
A statement from Capitol Police spokeswoman Sgt. Kimberly Schneider said the suspected shooter had been “neutralized” but the area was being locked down as a precautionary measure.
A suspicious package has also been found at the scene.
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.
Update:
Police have confirmed the shooting was a suicide attempt.
“Confirmed: self-inflicted gunshot by neutralized subject,” Schneider sated shortly afterward. However, AP reports it is not clear if the man is dead. No one else appears to be hurt.
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Niamh Harris