Senate on temporary lockdown as police search for Navy Yard suspect

UPDATE 3:30 p.m. EDT: Senate Sergeant at Arms Terry Gainer sent an email to Capitol Hill staff Monday afternoon ordering them to remain within the Senate complex for “the next two hours.”

Here is Gainer’s note, forwarded by an aide to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid:

>In light of the uncertainty surrounding the shooting at the Navy Yard this morning and particularly the possibility of suspects remaining at large, we have decided to lock down the Senate complex. You may move about the building; however, for the next two hours you may not leave nor can anyone enter the building. This will be in effect until we deem the situation safe in the neighboring community. We do not have any information to suggest the Senate, its Members, or staff are in any danger, but out of an abundance of caution, we feel this is the best course of action to keep everyone safe. This is being done in consultation with Chief Kim Dine, U.S. Capitol Police. Additional information will be shared at 5:00 p.m.

The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Twitter account also tweeted this out:

Out of abundance of caution #Senate bldgs temporarily locked down. No staff/visitors may enter/exit until further notice. Updates to follow.

— SenateSergeantAtArms (@SenateSAA) September 16, 2013