US Capitol on precautionary lock down after suspected suicide

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) – Police said the U.S. Capitol was on lock down as a precaution after shots were fired in what appeared to be an attempted suicide.

Capitol Police spokeswoman Kimberly Schneider said the suspected shooter was “neutralized” after a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

It was unclear whether the man was dead. No one else is believed to be hurt.

Schneider also said Capitol police were investigating a suspicious package on the lower west terrace of the building.

No one was allowed to enter or exit the Capitol and the visitors’ center, and some streets around the complex were closed.

The lock down came during Washington’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which attracts scores of tourists.

Congress has been on spring break for two weeks and lawmakers are set to return to work Monday.