Police officer shot at US Capitol Hill

One police officer is believed to be wounded following a shooting.

A US CAPITOL police officer has been shot at the Capitol Visitor Centre complex in Washington DC, reports Associated Press.

Initial reports are that the shooter has been taken into custody, Capitol officials and police said.

The event unfolded with Congress on recess and lawmakers back in their districts.

It occurred in the visitors centre of the sprawling Capitol complex.

cegrab-20160328-200345-216-1-736x414 The scene on Capitol Hill Screengrab / SkyNews Screengrab / SkyNews / SkyNews

Staffers, reporters and others were told to “shelter in place” and not allowed to leave their offices.

The White House and the Capitol complex were put on lockdown.

The police officer who was shot was not believed to be seriously injured.

With reporting from AFP and Associated Press.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More