US Capitol briefly locked down, 2nd time in week

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Capitol and its office buildings were briefly locked down Tuesday after suspects nearby shot at District of Columbia police with a small machine gun.

Police were alerted to a man with a gun near Fort McNair in southwest Washington, about a mile and a half south of the Capitol, shortly after 4 p.m., police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck said.

The Capitol lockdown began at 4:20 p.m. and the all-clear was given over a loudspeaker at 4:45 p.m. Police had sent an email to congressional staff advising them to close and lock doors and stay away from external doors and windows.