The lockdown at the US Capitol has been lifted following an attack that left both a police officer and the suspect dead, but the area around the crime scene remains restricted, US Capitol Police (USCP) said on Friday.
Law enforcement officials placed the US Capitol moments after an unidentified individual drove a vehicle through security barriers and into authorities.
"The suspect rammed his car into two of our officers and then hit the north barricade barrier. At such time the suspect exited the vehicle with a knife in hand," Pittman said during a press conference. "Our officers then engaged that suspect. He did not respond to verbal commands. The suspect did start lunging toward US Capitol Police officers at which time US Capitol Police officers fired upon the suspect. At this time the suspect has been pronounced deceased."
A text message sent to staffers by the US Capitol Police (USCP) indicated that a "external security threat" had been detected.
Video footage captured from the scene shows a slew of officers gathering outside the Capitol.
Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee said during the press conference that the attack does not appear to be terrorism-related, but the investigation is ongoing and investigators will continue to see if there are any links to terrorism.
Contee added that there appears to be no ongoing threat directed at the US Capitol following the attack.
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