Shots fired at US Capitol, female suspect killed
Heavily armed officers responded to the scene.A woman suspected of being involved in a car chase across central Washington was shot and killed by police outside the U.S. Capitol building on Thursday, a U.S. official said.
Washington Police Chief Cathy Lanier told reporters the woman died after police fired into her vehicle. Lanier said shots were fired in at least two locations during the confrontation Thursday afternoon.
Capitol Police Chief Kim Dine said this appeared to be an isolated incident with no link to terrorism. He said a police officer injured in the car chase is doing well, and that another officer rescued a 1-year-old child from the car after the chase.
The U.S. Capitol was put under a brief security lockdown as the situation unfolded. But there never was a threat to lawmakers inside the building.
Police are refusing to comment on the motive of the woman who drove the car. They say the incident remains under investigation.
The reports come during a partial government shutdown that began Monday after lawmakers could not reach agreement on a spending bill.
In a notice sent by email, Capitol police advised people inside the Capitol building to "close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows."
The Senate also halted all business before the lockdown was lifted, and the Secret Service cleared people off Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House.
Officials said President Barack Obama was inside the White House at the time and was briefed on the reports.
Source: Agencies
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