Summary According to US media, several people including policemen have been injured in the firing.
WASHINGTON - (AFP) - Police and FBI officials cordoned off the area while Congress building had been sealed after fires were shot here.
The US Capitol was placed on security lockdown Thursday after shots were fired outside the complex, senators said.
"Shots fired outside the Capitol. We are in temporary lock down," Senator Claire McCaskill said on Twitter. Police were seen running within the Capitol building and outside as vehicles swarmed to the scene.
According to the US media, police claimed that the alleged attacker was a woman who was gunned down by the law enforcers outside the Congress building.
BBC quoting US media reported that Journalists, congressional staffers and tourists were ordered to take shelter at the US Capitol Complex at 14:28 local time (18:28 GMT).
"Gunshots have been reported on Capitol Hill requiring all occupants in all House office buildings to shelter in place," said the email to staff.
"Close, lock and stay away from external doors and windows."
Some senators were reportedly outside when they heard six or seven shots fired, the New York Times reports.
"I heard a pop pop pop and we were told to get down," Senator Bob Casey told the paper.
