Capitol Hill Shooting: Gunfire, Entrances Sealed Off

WASHINGTON — A U.S. Capitol Police officer shot a 35-year-old man at New Jersey Avenue NW and C Street NW, blocks from the Capitol, according to law enforcement sources.

It happened just after 5:15 p.m.

D.C. Fire and EMS spokesman Pete Piringer said the wounded person was a 35-year-old civilian, who was shot by a U.S. law enforcement agency. Sources say it was U.S. Capitol Police.

The wounded man was taken to Washington Hospital Center's MedStar trauma unit in critical condition, Piringer said.

Police briefly sealed off part of the Capitol as a precaution.

Officials did not immediately confirm any details of the incident.

Robert Drumm, a tourist from Oklahoma visiting the nation's capital with his family, said in an interview, "There were so many gunshots being fired my family got down."

Drumm said he saw one victim, not wearing a police uniform, taken away in an ambulance.

Drumm said he first noticed trouble when he saw one car speeding and being chased by a police vehicle.

Numerous emergency vehicles converged quickly in the area.

Another witness, Dale Lanigan of Toledo, Ohio, described a similar scene, although he said two police cars gave chase.

As the car went past him, Lanigan said, "the driver had one hand on the wheel and it looked like he was reaching for something."

Lanigan said he then heard shots and police ordered him to get away. He said the driver of the car was taken away in an ambulance.

Comments

[AndyWright68]

All we can go by is what the police said happened. The police made sure we will never get the other side of the story. For all we know he wouldn't sign a speeding ticket and was about to be tasered when fled in an effort to avoid being tortured like that 72 year old Great Grandmother. The cops that were injured sustained minor injuries but as we all know even giving a cop a threatening look you most likely will get a beat down like that unconscious guy that flew out of his rolling van by those five now fired police officers. This guy may have had good reason to run and may not have threatened anyone with a weapon. What we do know is he was accused, charged, judged and executed by the police. We need police reform. I'm sure there were many alternatives the police could have pursued that could have led to an out come where everyone lives. Watch the videos I mentioned here
http://www.youtube.com/user/CopsOutofControl

[Gunfighter]

Incredible. This story isn't about gun rights, and it isn't about rogue police officers.

If we look only at the facts (as presented), the cops were well within the guidelines of the law for the use of deadly force.

See Graham v. Connor & Tennessee v. Garner

The subject used his vehicle to hit at least one police officer, and fled the scene (that's aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and flight to avoid arrest right there).

When stopped a short time later, the subject produced a weapon (that is attempted murder). He got shot for his efforts.

If this is really how it went down, then the officers involved were justified in their actions.

[fcsakes]

Is that blood on the front of the cop car? Out of respect for the family of the man who was shot, they should not have shown that.

[globalcitizenlinda]

Wishing safety for all innocent people and particularly the First Family

[dandypuddin]

Odds are it was a right to lifer.

[GravitonX]

After the Holocaust Museum shooting, I imagine any person "drawing" on an officer in D.C. is dead meat.

[moneyman1]

Many cops (state, federal, and local ) are ex-military. They are way to gun happy for me. I believe in the second amendment but you'd better not cross a cop when you're packing or you'll have to depend on a district attorney to sort out the mess and they almost always side with the police.

[go915]

that cop saved god knows how many people at the capitol today. that jerk ran from the cops, hit two more with his car, and had a gun in his hand. seriously, get a clue.

[chronic]

So you've seen the final police report?

Please fill us in with the facts.

[Deaninphilly]

In particular when they have to chase you and you don't follow one order you are given to surrender. I have no sympathy, zero, nothing for people who when they run end up getting shot. You did it, you know, you got caught, give it up. Otherwise you get what you deserve.

[Shashi0224]

Exactly. When a policeman orders you to stop, you stop. It's that simple. If you don't you are asking for trouble. If you are innocent, you stop....only the guilty run.

[lilbro]

The Police: licensed to kill

[stillfresh]

Nothing like American gun laws.

[goldcoastsailor]

When it comes down to it, and the money is no good, guns will keep us free.

[CardboardBox]

Oh, yeah. Gotta love the goopers' cow.ardice. Parano|a and guns make a great mix. I agree we need a wall in this country. To keep the crazy southerners away from civil society.

[patrickmcdougal]

attention Kmart Shoppers
Blue Light Special on aluminum foil in aisle 3.

[weatherwaxx]

When money is no good guns will let you steal from your neighbors, isn't that how it goes?

"guns will keep us free."

I've got a bridge for you, cheap.

[Tazru]

Isn't it hard to hit the bees and spiders with bullets, try using a rolled up newspaper, it's safer too.

[lynettema]

guns will make us dead - or locked up in our own homes afraid to come out

[Deaninphilly]

And the anti gun nuts are out in full force. Nothing like speaking out your ars$ either. I'm all for the people owning guns. Do I own one, nope. But I believe we should be allowed to. Hate to break it to you, no matter the law, criminals don't follow the law, hence why they are called criminals. Get it? Most likely not.

[maigesheng]

I know what you mean. Every time there is a senseless act of gun violence (which is getting more and more regualar) the anti gun nuts just go WHACKY.

[jennytaylia]

Two names: John Hinckley and Mark David Chapman.

Hoping to make names for themselves via public outrage.

W/E.

[OneTop]

What's the big deal ?

Just another day in America .... same thing happens all over the place at any given time.

[AleshiaMassey]

He ran from the police, and then a drew a gun on them...what were they supposed to do?

[BannedInBoston]

You don't know that. And, in fact, it's impossible to tell from the story what actually did happen. No doubt that's what they're claiming, though.

[solopico]

a simple google search of "capitol hill shooting" would lead you to 491 related articles, one of which is USA Today's up to the minute update page on the story.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/07/some-capitol-doors-sealed-after-gunfire-nearby.html

[AleshiaMassey]

No doubt that's what they told all the witnesses to see too..if you are going to pull crap in DC, and have any sense about you...there are certainly some places NOT to do it...this is one of them

[patrickmcdougal]

Sergeant at Arms reports that he open fire with an automatic {weapon}.
I am getting tired of these knee jerk deniers.

[Antiks]

Cops would NEVER dream of lying though.

[Opti]

Oh Lord! This is the worst nightmare of every cop I know. I hope the officers involved can find peace. Bless them...

[go915]

thank you. well said. bless you too......

[nofog]

what are you ? the official stamp for what was because birdies in the sky wired you
a few gegabites of Anybody can say whatever they want News...I say wait, let the dust settles
YOU'RE ALL TURNING INTO A NANCY GRACE...for crying out loud .

[chronic]

You know that how?

[fedupinfla]

Awww...whats the big deal. Just another "real American" exercising his right to bear arms. Isn't this what you're fighting so hard for Repug wingnuts?? So that EVERYBODY can own a gun and carry it around with them right? Who cares if some poor tourist might not make it back home. This is the USA and guns are as American as Chevy & apple pie right??

So go ahead...buy more guns 'cuz some radio shock jock tell you to. Stock up on canned goods & prepare for "end times"...

[llfutrell]

If a time ever comes, god forbid, that there is a total breakdown in our police sytem , you will be wishing you had a gun just to protect you and your family from people trying to get in your house. The hurricanes, floods, etc. are a good example of when there is a breakdown.­......loot­ers, murders, etc.

[AlGionfriddo]

I've voted Dem. all my life. I'm hopeful Obama will do well. He has my support. I also have an appreciation for my personal arsenal. Damn straight I'm willing and able to use my guns if needed. Hopefully that is NEVER. I expect that to be the case... but ya never know. It's a crazy world.

[Philip Combs]

'Lone gunman!'

[javaz]

This happens practically every day in my area - carjacking and car chases that usually don't end well.

[sviolette]

It has never happened in my area. No car jackings or car chases or gunshots or even people getting killed by cops. It just doesn't happen.

[MamaBird62]

That's great. I see you live in Maine. Try Washington DC sometime, you'll see what javaz is talking about.

[DimBulb2]

you live in a different world than me then