What to Know
- Capitol Police saw something in the backpack of an employee, but the item was later determined to not be a threat.
- Those in the Capitol were told to close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows, and to silence mobile phones.
- The House went into recess during the incident.
The U.S. Capitol building and visitor center were on lockdown for about an hour Friday morning after the report of a person with something that looked like a firearm.
Normal operations have since resumed.
The building was placed on lockdown about 8:40 a.m. after U.S. Capitol Police saw something in the backpack of an employee who was passing through the Rayburn House Office Building tunnel into the Capitol. The item required further investigation, officials said.
The item seen on a security screen looked like a firearm, said a spokeswoman for Capitol Police.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the Capitol was placed on lockdown to keep everyone safe until the circumstances could be verified," Capitol officials said Friday afternoon in a message sent to members of Congress.
Capitol Police then determined that the item was not a threat.
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Earlier, police had said there was an "event" and they were looking for a person in the building or on the grounds.
During the lockdown, people inside were told to shelter in place. No one was permitted to enter or exit.
The lockdown was lifted after authorities determined the item was not a threat.
The House went into recess during the incident.
