Shots fired at US Capitol barricade, suspect dead

After reports that someone hit two U.S. Capitol Police officers with a car, Capitol Police opened fire at the north barricade of the Capitol complex, law enforcement sources tell ABC News.

Two officers are said to be injured, one critically, the sources said. Law enforcement sources tell ABC News the suspect is dead.

The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) said in a tweet shortly before 1:30 p.m. ET they are “responding to the North Barricade vehicle access point along Independence Avenue for reports someone rammed a vehicle into two USCP officers.”

The USCP later corrected the location to Constitution Avenue.

Police said in the tweet that both officers and the suspect were transported to the hospital.

A vehicle occupied “by a single individual, the driver, sought to ram the north barrier at the Capitol,” according to a federal official who was briefed.

The suspect rammed the north barricade and exited the vehicle with a weapon and was shot by Capitol Police, according to law enforcement sources.

The Capitol is on lockdown due to this situation. Staffers on the Hill were sent a message from U.S. Capitol Police around 1:20 p.m. ET saying “due to an external security threat” that “no entry or exit is permitted.” The message said people could move around inside the building, “but stay away from exterior windows and doors. If you are outside, seek cover.”

It is still unknown if this was an intentional attack, a briefed federal official told ABC News, and investigators are actively trying to figure that out. There was no heightened threat posture at the Capitol before this occurred on Friday. Congress is in recess and many staff offices are closed in observance of Good Friday.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

ABC News’ Mariam Khan, Alexandra Svokos, Luke Barr and Josh Margolin contributed to this report.

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