Capitol Hill attack: Suspect in custody after trying to 'run over police'
Police said there is no evidence the incident was linked to terrorism
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police in Washington DC have responded to reports of gunfire close to Capitol Hill and of a vehicle being driven into a police officer.
According to officers, a woman driving on Independence Avenue SW ran into a Capitol Police car and then tried to run over officers. The situation was quickly contained and officials said there was no evidence the incident was related to terrorism.
Police received a call reporting shots fired on Capitol Hill around 9.30am. It later transpired, that the shots may have been warning shots fired by officers after a woman failed to stop when requested.
The individual has been taken into custody. No one was hit by the suspect's car, police said.
ABC News said Capitol Hill police responded to the area at Washington Ave and Independence Ave, which is located near the US Botanic Garden and the Rayburn House office building.
Eva Malecki, a spokeswoman for Capitol Police, said there was no evidence to suggest a "nexus of terrorism". She said that investigations were continuing.
"It was a traffic stop," she said.
The FBI rushed to the scene to try and support the efforts of police officers.
Capitol Hill was briefly placed on a lock down during the incident, but was later reopened for business.
Earlier, a witness said a car was stopped at a checkpoint and police ordered a woman driving a vehicle to stop.
The witness, on Capitol Hill to visit politicians, declined to permit her name to be used.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments