U.S. Capitol Shooting: Man Pulled Gun In Security Line

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Capitol Police shot and wounded a man who pulled out a gun in the security line at the Capitol Visitor's Center earlier today, resulting in a lockdown and temporary panic on Capitol Hill.

U.S. Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa said in a press conference that the man walked into the north screening facility at the visitor's center at 2:39 p.m. for routine screening, and then drew a weapon and pointed it at the officers. The officers opened fire, striking the suspect, who has been taken to the hospital to undergo surgery. His condition is unknown, Verderosa said.

Police recovered a weapon at the scene. The Capitol was placed on lockdown, and police continue to conduct an investigation at the scene, but Verderosa said he anticipates the Capitol Visitor's Center being open for business as usual on Tuesday. He said he believes this was an isolated incident, and the man was "known" to U.S. Capitol Police.

An ABC News report claims that the suspect is Larry Dawson of Tennessee, and he may be the same man who disrupted a House of Representatives session in October, shouting from the gallery that he was a "prophet of god." The Daily Beast posted a video of the incident back when it happened. Verderosa would not confirm any details on the suspect, however.

No police officers were injured during the incident. A female bystander between 35 and 45 years of age received minor injuries.

The lockdown was lifted at 3:40 p.m., although the CVC remained closed as a crime scene. Police are also investigating a vehicle with Tennessee plates near the Capitol that may have belonged to the suspect.

"We believe this is an act of a single person who has frequented the Capitol grounds before, and there is no reason to believe this is anything more than a criminal act," Verderosa said.

Videos of the chaotic scene was recently posted on YouTube and Twitter: