US Capitol building put on brief lockdown

WASHINGTON: The US Capitol building was today put on lockdown for about an hour after an unusual activity by a person possibly carrying fire arms was reported.

Capitol police had ordered staff and visitors in the Capitol building and the adjacent visitor centre to take cover and to stay away from doors and windows.

The lockdown was lifted an hour later after the US Capitol Police (USCP) gave an all-clear notice to reopen the building.

"Out of abundance of caution, the US Capitol and Capitol Visitor Centre are on lockdown while USCP investigates a report of a person of interest," US Capitol Police spokeswoman Eva Malecki had said in a statement.

Capitol police said they were searching for an individual but gave no details.

Witnesses said the building was on lockdown but the House met briefly and immediately recessed.