There are unconfirmed reports that there is an active shooter in the Russell Senate Office Building. Multiple sources report that people have been instructed to lock doors and take shelter while others were evacuated.
BREAKING: I’m being told there is an active shooting threat in the Russell Senate Office Building. Staff in Dirksen have been given an announcement to lock all doors, shelter in place and remain quiet.
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) August 2, 2023
Chad Pergram at Fox News reported that Capitol Police had shouted at people to descend the stairs as they held their rifles ready.
The official U.S. Capitol Police X account (formerly Twitter), has been giving out instructions.
Our officers are searching in and around the Senate Office Buildings in response to a concerning 911 call. Please stay away from the area as we are still investigating. We will continue to communicate with the public here. pic.twitter.com/vqCY0I7u8m
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) August 2, 2023
According to the latest reports, no shots were fired. This could mean that this was a hoax or false alarm.
Update: call came through DC 9-1-1. No shots reported fired. Police are still looking and investigating. Follow @CapitolPolice for more… https://t.co/zlbbnver1E
— Alan Henney (@alanhenney) August 2, 2023
We are still too young to make any definitive conclusions about what is happening. We will continue to follow the story and keep you updated as needed.
Update: It does appear to be a hoax call that set off all the chaos.
.@DCPoliceDept tells me there is NO active shooter on Capitol Hill.
Source tells me “A call came in for an active shooter. It appears to be a bad call. No injuries and no shooter were located. MPD is assisting US Capitol Police.”
— Beatrice Peterson (@missbeae on all platforms) (@MissBeaE) August 2, 2023