False Alarm: No Active Shooter Found at U.S. Capitol Complex

 

Photo: www.cp24.com

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Capitol complex was given the all-clear on Wednesday as authorities found no evidence of a gunman or suspicious activities following a report of a potential active shooter. According to U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger, the report appears to have been a false alarm.

 

After a thorough 90-minute investigation, police permitted employees in three Senate office buildings adjacent to the U.S. Capitol to return to work. Chief Manger stated, "At this point, we can confirm that there was no active shooter, and it seems that this call may have been a hoax."

 

Approximately 200 officers were swiftly mobilized to clear the three Senate office buildings located on Constitution Avenue. However, no individuals behaving suspiciously were spotted in the vicinity, as confirmed by Chief Manger.

 

The incident originated from a call received by the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, reporting an alleged shooter. Attempts to reach the initial caller were unsuccessful, adding to the uncertainty of the situation.

 

Following the report, authorities issued a shelter-in-place advisory for people inside Senate office buildings as a precautionary measure. It is worth noting that at the time of the incident, the Senate was in summer recess, resulting in a reduced number of lawmakers in Washington. Nevertheless, there were still several personnel present in the Senate cafeterias, coffee shops, security posts, and engaged in building maintenance. Additionally, tourists were visiting the Capitol, contributing to the need for swift action by law enforcement.

 

Coincidentally, the incident occurred one day ahead of former President Donald Trump's anticipated appearance in a federal courthouse just blocks away from the Capitol. The former President was indicted on Tuesday for his alleged involvement in attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, which ultimately resulted in President Joe Biden's victory.

 

In light of Trump's impending court appearance, security measures around government buildings, including the courthouse and its surroundings, were heightened as a precautionary measure. Chief Manger assured that law enforcement had been actively coordinating with partner agencies to prepare for this eventuality.

 

As the situation came to a close with no immediate threat found, it serves as a reminder of the critical role law enforcement plays in maintaining safety and security in and around government buildings.

 

 

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