U.S. Capitol Building Put On Lockdown After Man Fatally Shoots Himself

A man shot himself dead outside the building and police were investigating a suspicious package, Capitol police told BuzzFeed News.

The U.S. Capitol and the Capitol Visitors Center were on lockdown Saturday after a man fatally shot himself on the steps of the building, authorities told BuzzFeed News.

Due to a police incident, the Capitol and CVC are currently on lock down. #alerts

Lieutenant Kim Schneider of the Capitol police told BuzzFeed News shots were fired on the west front of the building and that the suspected shooter had been "neutralized."

Schneider later confirmed the man had died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

People on social media said they were near the man when he shot himself.

Just ran from the capital building after a protester shot himself right next to us.. 😔

Just witnessed someone shoot themselves at the U.S. Capitol.. Whole place is on lockdown😳😳

Schneider said police were investigating a suspicious package related to the shooting on the lower west terrace of the building.

NBC reported that the package was a suitcase that was near the shooter's body.

Per USCP the shots were fired on west front and the threat has been neutralized. #alerts

The lockdown was lifted later on Saturday afternoon, with the west front of the building remaining closed to the public so that investigations could continue.

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