False Alarm: Search Conducted and Offices Cleared After Potential Active Shooter Threat at US Capitol

Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order and conducted a thorough search of Senate office buildings near the US Capitol on Wednesday afternoon after receiving a 911 call about a potential active shooter. However, after conducting a floor-by-floor search of the three buildings, no concerning evidence or victims were found.

Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger suggested that the security scramble may have been prompted by a bogus call. This incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened security concerns following former President Donald Trump's indictment on charges related to his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Trump is due to appear in federal court on Thursday, just a few blocks away from the Capitol.

In anticipation of potential disruptions by Trump supporters, multiple law enforcement agencies in Washington had been planning and had a security plan in place. The lockdown was initiated when local police received a call around 2:30 PM on Wednesday, reporting a heavyset Hispanic male wearing body armor inside the Hart Senate Office Building, one of the three structures that house offices for senators and their staff. Capitol Police immediately commenced the search, thoroughly combing through the massive buildings.

During the search, officers evacuated the hallways of the Russell Senate Office Building and urged people to run outside and away from the premises. Onlookers, including tourists, witnessed as numerous police cars surrounded the area. Staff and journalists working in the building were instructed via email to seek shelter in a locked room, maintain silence, and turn off all electronic devices.

Approximately 90 minutes later, Chief Manger announced that all three Senate office buildings had been cleared and suggested that the call was likely false. It is worth noting that both the House of Representatives and the Senate are presently on recess, resulting in the office buildings being less crowded than usual. In conclusion, the swift response to the potential active shooter threat at the Senate office buildings near the US Capitol underscores the authorities' commitment to maintaining security and protecting key government institutions amidst ongoing legal proceedings and heightened concerns.