Those at the Capitol were ordered to shelter in place. Congress was in recess today for the Easter holiday, but it is a busy week for tourists in Washington.
"Shelter in place remains in effect as Capitol Police continue to investigate. Please stay in your assigned location," the Senate's Sergeant-at-Arms, the body's chief law enforcement officer, said on Twitter.
Police cordoned off access to the Capitol building. An ambulance was at the scene.
The White House, where thousands were attending the annual Easter Egg Roll, was briefly on lockdown as well, but the order was quickly lifted.