All-Clear Given at U.S. Capitol Complex After False Report of Active Shooter
WASHINGTON, Aug 2 (Reuters) – The U.S. Capitol complex was given the all-clear on Wednesday after police found no evidence of a gunman or suspicious activities following a report of a possible active shooter. U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger informed reporters that the report was most likely “bogus.”
After approximately 90 minutes of investigation, police allowed workers in three Senate office buildings adjacent to the U.S. Capitol to return to work. Manger stated, “I think at this point we can say we’ve found no confirmation of an active shooter and this may have been a bogus call.”
Around 200 officers were mobilized to clear the three Senate office buildings on Constitution Avenue. Manger confirmed that there were no indications of anyone suspicious being spotted nearby.
The initial call reporting a shooter was received by Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department, who attempted to contact the caller without success.
Following the call, police urged individuals inside Senate office buildings to shelter in place. Although the Senate was in summer recess and most lawmakers were not in Washington, there were still reduced staff members present in congressional offices. Additionally, Senate cafeterias, coffee shops, security posts, and building maintenance personnel were typically on-site, along with tourists visiting the Capitol.
The false report came just one day before former President Donald Trump is expected to appear in a federal courthouse located just blocks from the Capitol. Trump was indicted on Tuesday for his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to President Joe Biden.
In anticipation of Trump’s arrival, security around government buildings at the courthouse and surrounding areas was being strengthened. Chief Manger assured the public, “We’re prepared for tomorrow. We’ve been working with our partner agencies… in preparation for whenever the indictment did happen.”
Reporting by Moira Warburton, Patricia Zengerle, Kanishka Singh, and Richard Cowan; Editing by Scott Malone and Doina Chiacu
Why is it crucial to swiftly respond to potential threats, even if they turn out to be false alarms, in public buildings like the U.S. Capitol complex
Ef Kim Dine said the report was received around 9:00 am local time and prompted a large-scale response from law enforcement agencies.
The report of an active shooter originated from a building on Capitol Hill, prompting the immediate evacuation of the area. Police swiftly conducted a thorough search of the premises, including the Cannon House Office Building, where the report had originated.
After a comprehensive sweep of the building, police found no evidence to substantiate the claim of an active shooter. The all-clear was subsequently given, and normal operations at the U.S. Capitol complex were resumed.
In a press conference, Chief Dine commended the swift and efficient response of law enforcement agencies involved in securing the area and ensuring the safety of employees and visitors.
The incident highlights the importance of maintaining a high level of security and readiness in public buildings, especially government institutions. It also underscores the need to swiftly respond to any potential threats, even if they turn out to be false alarms, in order to ensure the safety of all individuals present.
Law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate the origin of the false report, as false alarm incidents can have serious consequences and divert valuable resources from actual emergencies.
The U.S. Capitol complex consists of several buildings, including the Capitol itself, office buildings for members of Congress, and various support facilities. Given its significance as the home of the U.S. legislative branch, any reports of an active shooter in the area are taken extremely seriously and prompt a rapid and thorough response.
Thankful for the swift response and expertise of the police chief in ensuring the safety of the U.S. Capitol Complex. False alarms like these emphasize the importance of effective communication and preparedness in such critical situations.