Officer Killed, Suspect Dead After Capitol Ramming Attack, National Guard Deployed

(Update 1450ET): Fox News is reporting one capital police officer has died, according to Acting Police Chief Pittman. As the incident unfolded “seek cover” warnings range out across the area on the Senate side of the Capitol building:

The United States Capitol was locked down on Friday due to an “exterior security threat,” as the United States Capitol Police (USCP) said two officers were injured after a car rammed into them. One officer died of his injuries, sources tell Fox News. 

Sources said the suspect exited his car wielding a knife and was shot by the USCP, dying of his injuries.

Fox News is told security officials believe the suspect was a “lone wolf,” not connected to any other group.

PRESS BRIEFING LIVE FEED:

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(Update 1428ET): ABC is reporting the suspect has died after being transported to the hospital:

After reports that someone hit two U.S. Capitol Police officers with a car, Capitol Police opened fire at the north barricade of the Capitol complex, law enforcement sources tell ABC News.

Two officers are said to be injured, one critically, the sources said. Law enforcement sources tell ABC News the suspect is dead.

Additional National Guard troops, which were already in the area, have been deployed to the scene:

JUST IN: National Guard deployed at #Capitol after Car attack. 3 people in hospital include attacker and 2 Police.

Streets around building blocked, building in lockdown mode. FBI assisting: pic.twitter.com/9I3JezU56Y

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) April 2, 2021

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Chaos has unfolded outside the Capitol building after a vehicle smashed into police that were guarding a barricaded entrance. It’s also being described as a possible shooting incident which left at least one officer seriously injured. The Capitol complex is now on lockdown as a huge emergency response is underway, according to breaking reports. 

According to a US Capitol Police statement, it is currently “responding to the North Barricade vehicle access point along Independence Avenue for reports someone rammed a vehicle into two USCP officers. A suspect is in custody.” The suspect was shot by police and is said to be in critical condition.

BREAKING: At least 1 person down outside the U.S. Capitol pic.twitter.com/kz4Opkbmc6

— BNO News (@BNONews) April 2, 2021

The statement adds “Both officers are injured. All three have been transported to the hospital.”

It doesn’t appear Congressional members were present or near the site of the vehicle attack incident, which seems to be over as police and emergency vehicles have taken over the scene. 

Per USCP, the incident occurred on Constitution Avenue, not Independence Avenue.

Two USCP officers were injured when someone rammed a vehicle into them, per USCP, and a suspect is in custody. All three have been transported to the hospital.

Lawmakers are in recess, and not in.

— Grace Segers (@Grace_Segers) April 2, 2021

🚨🚨A helicopter just landed on the east front of the Capitol. I’ve never seen anything like this before. ever. pic.twitter.com/LxV0mywRSe

— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) April 2, 2021

The AP reported that gunfire rang out in the area, before police with sirens blaring descended on the site. Further details describe:

The incident occurred about 100 yards (91 meters) from the entrance of the building on the Senate side of the Capitol. Fencing that prevented vehicular traffic near that area was recently removed as the Capitol has started to open up after the Jan. 6 riots.

The security checkpoint is typically used by senators and staff on weekdays. Congress is currently on recess.

Video posted online showed a dark colored sedan crashed against a vehicle barrier, and a police K9 inspecting the vehicle. Law enforcement and paramedics could be seen caring for at least one unidentified individual.

Local media reports say @CapitolPolice shot at a car which would not stop at a barricade. At least one person injured.

— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) April 2, 2021

It appears the suspect vehicle failed to stop before police opened fire according to the emerging details.

A look at the blue sedan that rammed through the police checkpoint:

VOA News White House correspondent Steve Herman writes that “The suspect was shot after getting out of the car with a knife, according to media reports.”

Meanwhile…

WATCH: National Guard troops, who have been gradually drawing down from U.S. Capitol complex in recent weeks, are now marching down Constitution Ave – West Wing pic.twitter.com/bMmAFKDgz8

— X News Alerts (@XNewsAlerts) April 2, 2021

developing…