An individual driving his car allegedly crashed through security gates in Washington, at a checkpoint, before a shootout broke out.
Video from outside the Capitol shows a vehicle that appears to have crashed into a barricade surrounding the complex, BBC reports.
We deplore at least three gunshot wounds, according to several American media.
A police helicopter was deployed to the scene.
According to witnesses, at least one person is on the ground.
The Capitol, seat of the US Congress, as well as the surrounding streets are confined and barricaded by the police.
Appears that a car smashed into the barrier.
Two people are on stretchers.
Can't see whether it's an officer or civilian pic.twitter.com/Ud5WYGyKFu
- Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) April 2, 2021
"A suspect has been arrested," Capitol police said on Twitter.
“Both officers are injured.
All three were taken to the hospital.
"
CRITICAL INCIDENT: USCP is responding to the North Barricade vehicle access point along Independence Avenue for reports someone rammed a vehicle into two USCP officers.
A suspect is in custody.
Both officers are injured.
All three have been transported to the hospital.
pic.twitter.com/4TXIdulJc6
- US Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) April 2, 2021
"According to information obtained by CNN, the suspect would have brandished a knife in the direction of the police officers after having struck a barrier located in front of the Capitol with his vehicle", relate the correspondents of France Televisions in Washington.
But police have yet to confirm whether it was an accident or a deliberate attack.
The Capitol compound had been placed under very high protection after the deadly assault on January 6, led by pro-Trump protesters.
Some of the protective barriers had recently been removed, and the security perimeter tightened around the seat of the US Parliament.
The elected representatives of Congress are on parliamentary recess this week but some members of their teams, Congress employees and journalists were present.
President Joe Biden left Washington DC earlier today for an official visit.
A helicopter landed for a while on the esplanade at the foot of the Capitol and then left, according to the images of a journalist filmed from inside.
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