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The perimeter around the United States Capitol was closed on Friday afternoon (in Washington), after a car struck two police officers. The suspect was shot by police and died, as was one of the officers, confirmed an official source from the Capitol Police, which has since tightened security around the building.
According to Chief Yogananda Pittman, in statements to the press quoted by the Associated Press, the suspect left the car with a knife, prompting a response from the two officers, who shot the attacker. One of the policemen was stabbed, but it is not known which one “did not resist the injuries.”
ALEXANDER DRAGO
The identities of those involved have not been disclosed, but authorities have clarified that the threat is no longer active and that the attack does not appear to be related to terrorism. There was also no direct link between this incident and the January 6 attack, when the Capitol was invaded by supporters of Donald Trump; then more than 140 people were injured and there were still five deaths.
The incident occurred at one of the checkpoints in the vicinity of the building; at Easter time, Congress is inactive in both houses until April 12.
Two weeks ago, the authorities removed an external security perimeter, returning the avenues of Independence and the Constitution to traffic. However, an internal security perimeter is maintained.
The film of events
The attack took place around 1 pm local time (6 pm in mainland Portugal).
Through their Twitter account, the Capitol Police announced at 6:26 pm in mainland Portugal the arrest of the driver and confirmed that two security agents had been injured, having been taken to hospital, as well as the suspect.
The incident occurred at the entrance to Avenida da Constitución and all the Capitol buildings were closed. Employees were warned shortly after the incident that there would be no more entrances and exits. “They can move around buildings, but away from doors or windows to the outside. If you are abroad, seek refuge. “
A video by Jacqui Heinrich, Fox News correspondent in Congress, shows two people being evacuated in an ambulance.
Meanwhile, the Washington DC Police Department has set up an operation in the vicinity of the Capitol. The United States National Guard has also reinforced the security of the building.
Last news update at 9pm
