Suspect killed after car chase, shots fired at U.S. Capitol

A female suspect who triggered lengthy car chase by the police from the White House to Capitol Hill on Thursday afternoon was struck by gunfire and pronounced dead, local police chief confirmed.

Police said the black car that the suspect was driving struck a White House security barrier at first and then triggered the car chase and gunshots.

Speaking at the second briefing following the incident, DC Metropolitan Chief Cathy Lanier said police fired at the car from two locations as the car drove across the downtown of the capital from the White House to Capitol area.

The female suspect was struck by the gunfire and pronounced dead, said Lanier.

U.S. Capitol Police Chief Kim Dine confirmed a one-year-old child was in the car at the time of the incident. The child was said to be in good condition.

Two officers were injured during the incident, including a Capitol Police officer and a Secret Service officer, said the law enforcement officials.

Lanier said the incident does not appear to be an accident due to the fact that the suspect attempted to breach two security perimeters and triggered a lengthy pursuit.

Dine said no information was currently related to terrorism and that the shooting appeared to be "an isolated incident."

However, the officials refused to give more information or comments on the driver's identity or possible motives.

The incident has led to the lockdown of the U.S. Capitol and adjacent buildings.

U.S. Capitol Police required staff in all Senate Office buildings to immediately shelter in place and stay away from external doors and windows. The pedestrian walkway in front of the White House was also quickly locked down after the incident was reported.

As of 3:01 p.m., the Senate Sergeant at Arms announced via its Twitter account that the lockdown of the area has been lifted and people may exit shelter locations and resume normal activities.

The FBI also dispatched units in response to the incident.

According to the White House media pool reports, U.S. President Barack Obama was briefed on the reports of gunfires on Capitol Hill, and the White House staff remain in touch with law enforcement authorities.