The U.S. Capitol Building was locked down for about two hours Saturday afternoon after a man killed himself outside and a suspicious package was found nearby, officials said.
Due to lockdown no one allowed to enter or exit the Capitol & CVC. Moving in the bldgs & underground is OK. If you are outside, seek cover.
— SenateSergeantAtArms (@SenateSAA) April 11, 2015The suspected shooter was “neutralized,” Capitol Police said, adding that they were investigating a suspicious package found on the lower West Terrace of the Capitol Building.
Officials told NBC News that a man died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the West Front of the Capitol Building shortly after 1 p.m., and the suspicious package was his suitcase. “There are no indications at this point of terrorism,” one federal official said.
The investigation is in its early stages and authorities were not releasing the man’s name until they notified his family, said Capitol Police Chief Kim Dine.
Ramesh Nandi was sitting on the steps of the Capitol building with his wife when the incident occurred, he told NBC News.
Nandi said a man who appeared to be in his 20s took out a placard, but Nandi couldn’t fully make out what it said. He then heard a pop and saw the back of the man’s head turn red.
“I grabbed my wife and said, ‘Run! Run!’ I thought it was a sniper because I didn’t see a gun in his hand,” Nandi said.
Dine said the man was holding a “sign about social justice,” as well as two bags.
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