Suspicious package near Capitol not a threat

WASHINGTON Capitol Police spokeswoman Sgt. Kimberly Schneider says the package was deemed suspicious Monday when it was detected by a bomb-sniffing dog.

She says investigators x-rayed the package and determined it was not a hazard.

The Capitol South Metro station, which is about two blocks from the Capitol building, had been closed because of the package and is now being reopened.

Riders trying to leave the station were initially redirected to other stations. Others were later allowed to take an elevator and exit about a block from where the package was found.

It wasn't clear whether additional precautions were being taken because of the shooting Saturday of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.