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Man Shot by Police at Capitol Had Pellet Gun

Police said a weapon was recovered at the scene but have not described it

Chief Matthew Verderosa said the suspect in the shooting incident at the Capitol Visitor Center was hold "what appeared to be a weapon." (Photo By Al Drago/CQ Roll Call)
Chief Matthew Verderosa said the suspect in the shooting incident at the Capitol Visitor Center was hold "what appeared to be a weapon." (Photo By Al Drago/CQ Roll Call)

The suspect involved in Monday’s shooting incident at the Capitol Visitor Center was carrying a pellet gun modeled after a real handgun, a source close to Capitol Police said.  

Larry R. Dawson, 66, was shot by police Monday after passing through a metal detector holding what Capitol Police Chief Matthew R. Verderosa described as a device that appeared to be a weapon.  

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Capitol Police did not return messages Tuesday seeking comment on what type of weapon was recovered from the scene.  

Dawson was listed in stable but critical condition. He is facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon and assault on a police officer while armed, according to Capitol Police.  

The incident caused a temporary lock down of the Capitol and the White House.  

The U.S. Attorney office was reviewing the case to determine if additional charges will be filed against Dawson. It will also determine if the case will be heard in local Superior Court or U.S. District Court in Washington.  

The Capitol Visitor Center reopened Tuesday for regular business.  

Two suspicious packages forced streets around the Capitol to shut down Tuesday morning but were later cleared by Capitol Police. No lock downs or evacuations were put in place.  

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Contact Rahman at remarahman@cqrollcall.com or follow her on Twitter at @remawriter Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call on your iPhone.

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