By Elizabeth Crisp
Washington Correspondent
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Members of Congress are responding to news of an incident at the U.S. Capitol that has left two police officers injured, with U.S. Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell tweeting that he's praying for the officers involved.
"We are still learning what's taken place," McConnell, a Kentucky Republican wrote. "Grateful to all the [U.S. Capitol Police] and first responders who are on the scene."
U.S. Capitol Police acting chief Yogananda Pittman told reporters that someone rammed a vehicle into two officers and a security barricade on the north side of the Capitol. She said one of the officers has since died of his injuries but didn't name the officer.
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, has ordered that flags at the Capitol be flown at half staff for the officer who was killed.
Members of the U.S. House and Senate quickly responded to news of the attack.
"My prayers are with the two brave US Capitol Police Officers injured today by a vehicle that rammed a barricade," U.S. Representative Ted Lieu, a California Democrat tweeted.
Lawmakers are not in session this week, so the building was mostly empty and quiet until an announcement went out telling people inside the building to not go outside. Pittman said that authorities believe the threat has been neutralized but law enforcement is urging caution.
"Devastated at the news of one of our own Capitol Police Officer's death. Praying for their family," Representative Kevin Brady, a Texas Republican, said on Twitter. "As always, I am reminded of the selflessness and bravery the USCP display protecting us and our Capitol each and every day."
U.S. House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, also praised law enforcement's quick handling of the situation.
"They reacted quickly and bravely, as did all the other first responders at the scene," he tweeted.
Many other members also expressed condolences to the officers' families.
"One of the officers has tragically passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with their family," Representative Tim Ryan, an Ohio Democrat, tweeted.
A suspect, who was shot when he brandished a knife, has also died. The suspect and two officers were all transported to the hospital.
The incident comes as barricades that were erected after the January 6 riot at the Capitol have slowly started to be taken down. One officer died after the January attack and there have been multiple suicides on the force in the weeks since.
"My family and staff are praying for the brave men and women who dutifully protect the Capitol and Washington, D.C.," Representative Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican, said in a statement.
The Capitol has been under high security and alert since the January 6 riot, when thousands of people stormed the building to try to stop the certification of Joe Biden's election as president. Members of the National Guard have remained at the Capitol as an extra layer of security. They were spotted on the scene of Friday's crash.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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