Tennessee man, Larry Dawson, identified as US Capitol shooter

Shots were fired on Capitol Hill Monday afternoon when a police officer shot a man, later identified as Larry Russell Dawson of Antioch, Tennessee, inside the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.

Dawson, 66, reportedly entered the visitor center below the Capitol grounds and drew a weapon during routine screening, aimed at police, who then fired at the man. NBC is reporting that the gun was only a pellet gun.

A U.S. Capitol Police officer was “shot, but not seriously,” according to authorities who also confirmed that Dawson was shot and transferred to a hospital for surgery; his condition is unknown. A female bystander was also injured from the gun fire, but only required minor medical attention.

The Capitol and adjacent office buildings were placed on lock down for about a half-hour before an all-clear order was issued.

“No one will be allowed to enter or exit any buildings,” police notified House offices. “You may move about within the buildings and underground between buildings. If you are outside, seek cover.” Tourists were prompted to exit the Capitol area as soon as the lockdown began.

Dawson has been arrested on capitol grounds before, lobbying for a minimum wage hike and claiming to be a prophet of God.

Larry Dawson photo/Facebook cropped