Politics & Government

New Jersey Congressmen 'Praying' for Safety after Capitol Gunfire

The Capitol was briefly placed on lockdown following reports Thursday afternoon of shots fired outside the Washington, D.C. landmark.

While details from the nation's capital were sparse—initial news reports relied on an email from Capitol Police stating, “Gunshots have been reported on Capitol Hill requiring staff in all Senate office buildings to immediately shelter in place”—two New Jersey congressmen communicated via Twitter shortly after the incident.

Sen. Robert Menendez and Rep. Scott Garrett both tweeted messages of prayer at 3:02 p.m. Thursday.

"Am grateful all my staff are accounted for and safe and praying for the safety of everyone here on the Hill," Menendez wrote.

"Praying for the safety of Capitol Police and others that may be involved," tweeted Garrett.

The lockdown was lifted sometime around 3 p.m., according to the New York Times, and Capitol Police told the newspaper that the shooting was likely an isolated incident.

Check with Georgetown Patch for the latest on the shooting.


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