Lockdown lifted after shots fired on west front of US Capitol

AP logo
Saturday, April 11, 2015
This Nov. 13, 2014, file photo shows the U.S. Capitol Dome, in Washington, surrounded by scaffolding for a long-term repair project, and framed by the autumn's colorful leaves.
AP-AP

WASHINGTON -- A precautionary lockdown of the U.S. Capitol has been lifted after shots were fired in an apparent suicide attempt.

Capitol Police spokeswoman Kimberly Schneider says the suspected shooter was "neutralized" Saturday after a self-inflicted gunshot wound. It's unclear whether the man is dead. No one else is believed to be hurt.

During the hours-long lockdown, no one was allowed to enter or exit the Capitol and the visitors' center, and some streets around the complex were closed.

The lockdown came during Washington's annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which attracts scores of tourists.

Congress has been on spring break for two weeks and lawmakers are set to return to work Monday.