Initial reports suggested an officer had been shot, but Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa said that wasn’t the case.
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The complex was placed on lockdown but the security precaution has been lifted and US Capitol police identified the suspect as 66-year-old Larry Dawson of Tennessee.
A Stay Away Order was issued to Dawson, including a map of the area he was supposed to avoid, which included the U.S. Capitol building and grounds, including all Congressional buildings.
Verderosa said the incident appeared to be “the act of a single person who has frequented the Capitol grounds before”.
The man and a female bystander who suffered minor injuries were rushed to a nearby hospital, law enforcement officials said.
She said armed police were suddenly everywhere and told her to crouch down by an outdoor wall.
The Capitol Visitor Center reopened Tuesday for regular business.
On Monday a man was shot and wounded by police after pointing what appeared to be a weapon at officers in the underground visitor center.
The police closed streets around the Capitol for some 45 minutes, according to what security forces at the Senate reported on their Twitter account.
“The suspect is now undergoing surgery”.
More details have been released about the incident which sent the Capitol Building into lockdown and shut down the surrounding streets while police made sure only one person was involved.
While the male suspect’s identity was not confirmed, authorities said he was known to local police.
MA U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey also thanked Capitol police for putting themselves in harm’s way, tweeting: “Thank to the U.S. Capitol Police for everything you do to keep us safe”. This resulted in the Capitol Complex being locked down, and staff and visitors ordered to shelter in place.
The event unfolded with Congress on recess and politicians back in their districts.
Dawson’s vehicle was also located at the Capitol and will be searched once authorities obtain a warrant.
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Citing unnamed sources at the Capitol, it was reported that the suspect pulled out his weapon when it triggered the metal detector inside the visitor center.
