Police identify shooter killed near Capitol

Washington Metropolitan police (MPD) on Thursday released the identity of the man killed by U.S. Capitol Police after a high-speed chase resulted in a shootout blocks from the Capitol.

Kellen Anthony White, 27, of Brandywine, Md., was shot to death after a routine traffic stop went awry. MPD is conducting an investigation into the shooting and the Capitol Police officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.

{mosads}Shortly after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, White fled from the Capitol Police in a white Mercedes sedan with temporary Virginia license plates, said Sgt. Kimberly Schneider, a spokeswoman for the Capitol Police.

“As he fled, he nearly ran over two officers — one on foot at Union Station who was already on a separate traffic stop, and one motorcycle unit near New Jersey Avenue and C Street NW,” said Schneider.

After crashing into a Capitol Police car, White allegedly ignored repeated demands by police officers to put down the weapon he was holding. White began shooting the weapon at several Capitol Police officers, who then returned fire and shot him.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) on Thursday commended the two officers who were injured in the incident for their bravery and called attention to the 11th anniversary of the deaths of Detective John Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut, who were killed in the line of duty on July 24, 1998, when a gunman tore through the Capitol, firing as he went.

“Yesterday, two Capitol Police officers were injured as they performed the duties they are excellently trained to do: defend the Capitol complex and protect those who serve and visit here,” said Pelosi and Boehner in a joint statement.

“Next week, Congress will stop and honor two members of the Capitol Police force who gave their lives in the line of duty 11 years ago: Detective John Gibson and Officer Jacob Chestnut. We are reminded that the Capitol Police are often put in dangerous and difficult situations where they risk their own safety to protect the safety of others; we must honor that service at every opportunity.

“On behalf of all Members of Congress, we commend the Capitol police for their actions yesterday, and we thank them for their service every day.”

The two officers who suffered non-life-threatening injuries in Wednesday’s incident were treated on the scene by the Office of the Attending Physician and D.C. Fire & EMS and “are OK,” according to Schneider.