WASHINGTON: The Secret Service temporarily closed the north and south fence lines around the White House complex on Monday as a "routine precautionary measure" a spokesman said, as police reported gunshots were fired at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center.
The fence lines, which are normally thronged with tourists, were reopened shortly afterward.
A report that a person tried to gain entry to the White House was incorrect, the U.S. Secret Service spokesman said.
The US Capitol was on lockdown Monday after shots were apparently fired in the Capitol Visitors Center, police said, but local media said the gunman was injured and taken into custody.
Those at the Capitol were ordered to shelter in place. Congress was in recess Monday for the Easter holiday, but it is a busy week for tourists in Washington.
"Shelter in place remains in effect as Capitol Police continue to investigate. Please stay in your assigned location," the Senate's Sergeant-at-Arms, the body's chief law enforcement officer, said on Twitter.
Police cordoned off access to the Capitol building. An ambulance was at the scene.
"There has been an isolated incident at the US Capitol. There is no active threat to the public," Washington police said on Twitter.
The White House, where thousands were attending the annual Easter Egg Roll, was briefly on lockdown as well, but the order was quickly lifted.
AFP, Reuters
