Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger told reporters that the police ended the emergency situation at the Capitol complex on Wednesday, as they found no active shooter or any suspicious activity following a report of a potential shooting that was likely a "false alarm."
After an investigation lasting about 90 minutes, police allowed workers in three Senate office buildings adjacent to the U.S. Capitol to return to their duties. Manger stated, "I believe we can at this point say that we have not found any evidence of an active shooter and that call may have been false."
Around 200 police officers were deployed to evacuate the three Senate buildings on Constitution Avenue. Manger noted that there were no indications of any suspects being spotted in the area. He added that the Washington police received a phone report about someone shooting.
Following the call, police urged those inside Senate offices to take shelter. The Senate is currently on summer recess, and most of its members are not in their offices. However, a reduced number of staff members are present in the congressional offices, along with dozens of workers in restaurants, cafes, and security points in the Senate buildings, as well as maintenance workers and tourists visiting the Capitol.
The police call came a day before former President Donald Trump was expected to appear in federal court near the Capitol. Manger said: "We are prepared for tomorrow. We have worked with partner agencies in preparation for any moment when charges are brought."
