A police officer has died after a man rammed a barricade outside the US Capitol this afternoon.
Two police officers were injured in the incident and one has since died.
The driver of the car was shot and has since died as well.
Yogananda Pittman, acting chief of the Capitol Police, said the suspect jumped out of the car brandishing a knife after he drove at the police officers.
“The suspect did start lunging towards US Capitol police officers, at which time US Capitol police officers fired upon the suspect,” she said.
At this time the suspect has been pronounced deceased.
Two US Capitol police officers were transported to two different hospitals and it is with a very heavy heart that I announce one of our officers has succumbed to his injuries.”
The Capitol was locked down after the incident at around 6pm Irish time.
Staff were sent a text message warning that no entry or exit was allowed. They were also told to stay away from exterior windows and doors.
The message added: "If you are outside, seek cover."
CRITICAL INCIDENT: USCP is responding to the North Barricade vehicle access point along Independence Avenue for reports someone rammed a vehicle into two USCP officers. A suspect is in custody. Both officers are injured. All three have been transported to the hospital. pic.twitter.com/4TXIdulJc6
— U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) April 2, 2021
