US Capitol Police: Female Suspect Shot After Car Chase from White House

Topics:  Grand Prix of Baltimore

VOA News
3 October 2013 (4:16PM)

Officials in Washington, DC say police have shot a woman who tried to drive through a barricade near the White House before racing away from police to the streets near the U.S. Capitol.

Capitol police say the woman crashed into a police vehicle during the chase, injuring one officer, who was airlifted from the scene by a medical helicopter.

The U.S. Capitol was put under a brief security lockdown as the situation unfolded. But there never was a threat to lawmakers inside the building.

A police official briefing reporters said the incident appeared to be "isolated" and not related to terrorism. The official refused to confirm reports that the woman driver was killed in the shooting, but he said officers believe a child was in the car with her.

In a notice sent by email, Capitol police advised people inside the building to "close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows." VOA congressional correspondent Cindy Saine said some members were briefly locked inside the House chamber.

The Senate also halted all business before the lockdown was lifted, and the Secret Service cleared people off Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House.

Officials said President Barack Obama was inside the White House at the time and was briefed on the reports.

The incident comes during a partial government shutdown that began Tuesday after lawmakers could not reach agreement on a spending bill.