Michael Hernandez
March 28, 2016•Update: March 29, 2016
WASHINGTON
One person has been taken into custody after allegedly pointing a weapon at officers at the Capitol on Monday.
The suspect drew his weapon at a checkpoint in the Visitors Center before Capitol Police opened fire, according to Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa.
"During routine administrative screening the individual drew what appeared to be a weapon and pointed it at officers," he said at a news conference. "An officer fired and struck the suspect who was subsequently treated by medical personnel."
Capitol Police identified the suspect as Larry R. Dawson, 66. He has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon and assault on a police officer while armed.
He is in stable but critical condition.
A female bystander sustained minor injuries and is being treated in hospital, according to Verderosa. The source of her wounds is not clear.
Earlier reports that the shooter injured a Capitol Police Officer are false, Verderosa said.
"Based on the initial investigation, we believe this is an act of a single person who has frequented the Capitol grounds before, and there is no reason to believe that this is anything more than a criminal act," he added.
The shooting at the Capitol Visitors Center prompted lockdowns on Capitol Hill and at the White House.
On Twitter, the Senate Sergeant At Arms said that a “shelter in place” order had been lifted at the Capitol, but that it would be open for official business only.
The visitor center remains closed. DC Police said on Twitter that there is no active threat to the public.
Congress is on recess, and lawmakers are currently in their home states.
The shooting comes during a high point of tourist activity in the nation's capitol with thousands of tourists visiting for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and Easter Egg Roll.
