WASHINGTON (TND) — A "concerning 911 call" led to an evacuation and investigation at the Senate office buildings in Washington, D.C. Wednesday afternoon.
Chief J. Thomas Manger of the U.S. Capitol Police said the Metropolitan Police Department received a call about an active shooter around 2:30 p.m. EDT -- but it appears to have been a "bogus" report.
We found no confirmation that there was an active shooter and this may have been a bogus call," Manger told reporters.Manger also noted that at least 20 officers were already at the scene when the report -- as well as subsequent reports he believes were from frightened people who work in the buildings -- came in.
"The original look-out was for a heavy set Hispanic male ... but we have no confirmation of that," he added, also noting no one was harmed.
Manger said about 200 officers searched the buildings and the offices were cleared as of 4 p.m. EDT.
The Metropolitan Police Department is assisting U.S. Capitol Police, said Major.
U.S. Capitol Police had asked everyone inside the buildings to shelter in place, as the initial report indicated a potential active shooter.
"It should be noted that we do not have any confirmed reports of gunshots," authorities added.
The building was evacuated soon after, with staff members outside. Lawmakers were mostly out of town for summer recess.
Constitution Avenue was shut down, with images from the scene showing barriers at the top of the street.
Police urged the public to stay away from the area amid the investigation.
"USCP is standing by to prepare the Senate office buildings for re-entry. There is no active threat at this time," U.S. Capitol Police tweeted shortly after 4:15 p.m. EDT.
The National Desk and WJLA are at the scene and saw people crying as they walked out of the Russell Senate Office Building.
An alert was sent out to building staff about the possible security threat. Authorities had asked people to:
- Move inside your office or the nearest office
- Take emergency equipment and visitors
- Close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows
- If you are in a public space, find a place to hide or seek cover
- Remain quiet and silence electronics
- Once you are in a safe location, immediately check in with your OEC
- No one will be permitted to enter or exit the building until directed by USCP
- If you are in a building outside of the affected area, remain clear of the police activity
- Await further direction
Manger was asked if the police department is prepared for Donald Trump's arraignment hearing in D.C. Thursday.
He confirmed that the department has a plan and police officers are prepared.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The National Desk's Scott Thuman and WJLA contributed to this report.
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