U.S. Capitol On Lockdown After Shots Fired, One Reported Injury

The U.S. Capitol was placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon after shots were fired near the chamber, NBC News reported.

According to CNN, Sen. Harry Reid said there has been one injury.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has sent security units to the west front of the building where shots were initially heard.

The Capitol Police sent out a notice to all staffers, advising them to stay inside.

"SHELTER IN PLACE. Gunshots have been reported on Capitol Hill requiring all occupants in all House Office Buildings to shelter in place. Close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows. Take annunciators, Go Kits and escape hoods; and move to the innermost part of the office away from external doors or windows. If you are not in your office, take shelter in the nearest office, check in with your OEC and wait for USCP to clear the incident. No one will be permitted to enter or exit the building until directed by USCP. All staff should monitor the situation. Further information will be provided as it becomes available," the notice said.

Immediately following the reports, the House recessed the Senate went into a quorum call, meaning they temporarily suspended all business.

News of the lockdown spread quickly on social media.

Sen. Claire McCaskill tweeted "Shots fired outside the Capitol. We are in temporary lock down."

Kate Nocera, a reporter for BuzzFeed, posted a picture of a police officer protecting an entranceway.

Before she was aware of the lockdown, she tweeted "Was outside and screamed at by cop to get in building... Unsure what's going on." Nocera also called the cops were "amazing" and said "we should all be grateful for them."