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Shooting near U.S. Congress

At least one injured; Capitol on shutdown
Photo EPA/SHAWN THEW
Photo EPA/SHAWN THEW

WASHINGTON, October 3 (Itar-Tass) - Shots fired near United States Congress.

U.S. Congress Police reported that the building has been put on lockdown for security reasons. According to initial reports, one police officer has been injured. People who were outside near the Supreme Court building across the Capitol have been taken inside. 

Initially Reuters reported that apart from the police officer, several civilians were injured as well. Law enforcements called in a Medevac helicopter,  citing Senate aide and a U.S. Capitol policeman. The news agency also reported that the Senate chamber was locked with staff inside nad high-ranking legislators were locked in their offices.

According to multiple first-hand accounts and official messages of U.S. authorities in several minutes the Capitol was reopened. 

 Citing U.S. Secret Service, local media reported that the shooting was sparked by an incident which happened near the White House, close to Capitol Hill. An unknown driver accidentally hit one of the guard posts and tried to flee the scene, driving towards Capitol Hill. Law enforcements reacted and chased the reckless driver.

At this time it is not clear who opened fire and who was the target. The injured police officer was reportedly airlifted to a hospital.