US Capitol Building Lifts Lockdown Caused by Staffer Bringing Firearm

The US Capitol Police have lifted the lockdown at the US Capitol building and Capitol Visitor Center, US Congressman Charlie Rangel said in a Twitter message on Friday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US congressmen said that a staffer brought a firearm into the Capitol building, which caused the lockdown, according to the Hill.

U.S. congressman says a congressional staffer was seen with a firearm. Police looking for a female in the basement of the congress #Lockdown

— valia chami (@valiachami) 8 июля 2016 г.

"Lockdown at Capitol lifted: I’m OK.," the message said.

Lockdown at Capitol lifted: I'm OK. But we must drive out darkness & anger w/ light & love. #EndViolence pic.twitter.com/BBOhy4t9fW

— Charles Rangel (@cbrangel) 8 июля 2016 г.

Capitol lockdown is OVER.

We're being waived into the building.

— Steven Portnoy (@stevenportnoy) 8 июля 2016 г.

The lockdown started just after 9 a.m. EDT (3 p.m. GMT) on Friday morning and ended about 40 minutes later.

Scene outside Capitol, which is on lockdown pic.twitter.com/KnSJCKv89M

— Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) 8 июля 2016 г.