Lockdown as man shoots himself in front of US Capitol

A man shot himself dead in front of the US Capitol on Saturday, sparking a temporary security lockdown at the complex on one of the busiest days for tourists in Washington.

The man, who was wearing a backpack and had carried a rolling suitcase and a sign to the site, fired a single shot at himself, Capitol Police Chief Kim Dine told reporters. Dine said the man’s sign bore a social justice message but he did not elaborate.

Authorities placed the Capitol on lockdown as a precaution. A bomb squad technician examined the suitcase and the backpack and officials later gave the all-clear, lifting the lockdown after more than two hours.