US Capitol and White House on lockdown

The US Capitol and White House were on lockdown on Monday following reports of shots fired at the Capitol Visitors Centre, media reported.

Congressional staffers were sent a notice to shelter in place, instructing them to lock doors and move to assigned shelter areas. Those outdoors were told to "seek cover away from the area," reports CNN.

"We are aware of reports of shots fired and the shelter in place. We are working with the Capitol Hill Police Department to investigate the situation," DC Metropolitan Police spokesperson Alice Kim said.