Acting USCP Chief Yogananda Pittman has now confirmed at a press conference that one police officer has died as a result of the injuries sustained in an attack at the US Capitol.
Per ABC News, Pittman stated that the suspect drove a vehicle into two law enforcement officers on Friday (April 2) after ramming through the north barricade. The driver then exited the vehicle brandishing a knife.
The suspect was then shot as they charged at the officers. They have also died.
Reports say the second officer has been transported to a nearby hospital.
The identities of the officers will not be disclosed until their next of kin have been informed.
The US Capitol is now on lockdown as law enforcement is responding to the incident.
CNN has also reported that the driver of the vehicle then exited the vehicle wielding a knife, before he was shot by USCP officers and taken into custody.
Writing on the official US Capitol Police Twitter account on Friday, officials said:
"CRITICAL INCIDENT: USCP is responding to the North Barricade vehicle access point along [Constitution Avenue] for reports someone rammed a vehicle into two USCP officers. A suspect is in custody. Both officers are injured. All three have been transported to the hospital.
In a second tweet just minutes later, officials added:
"Due to the external security threat at the North Barricade of the U.S. Capitol, the following road closures are in effect:
-Constitution Avenue between Second Street NE and First Street NW.
-First Street between Constitution Avenue NE and Independence Avenue SE."
In an email obtained by CNN from the USCP detailing the sequence of events, the suspect reportedly rammed the barricade with a car, before exiting the vehicle holding a knife.
The publication adds that the suspect was also transported to a nearby hospital, along with the two officers he struck.
FBI Washington Field Office is also reportedly supporting officers currently at the scene.
BBC News has added that onlookers have been told to stay clear of the area.
Additionally, due to the fact that Congress is currently in recess, many lawmakers are not present at the Capitol. However, President Joe Biden was in Washington earlier today, before leaving for the Presidental retreat of Camp David.
Capitol police have been on high alert ever since the fatal January 6 riots earlier this year.
The Guardian reports that five people died in the January 6 attacks, including USCP officer Brian Sicknick. Around 140 people were also injured in the riots.
