Capitol police probing reports of gunfire (AP)

Capitol police were investigating “the sound of gunfire in the garage level of the Rayburn House Office Building,” said an announcement on the internal Capitol voice alarm system.

The Senate was in session at the time, but the House was not.

Rep. Peter Hoekstra (news, bio, voting record), R-Mich., conducting a House Intelligence Committee hearing, interrupted a witness to request those attending the meeting to remain in the room and said the doors must be closed.

“It’s a little unsettling to get a Blackberry message put in front of you that says there’s gunfire in the building,” he said.

The Rayburn office building is just south of the Capitol.

11:20 — Fox News is reporting that four ambulances are on the scene at the Rayburn Building, but are most likely just a precautionary measure. There are no reports of any injuries at this time.

11:25 — FNN (TV) is scrolling the information that the Rayburn Building has been evacuated except for those in the basement, which has been locked down. Capitol police are going room to room to investigate. DC Special Ops and the FBI are assisting.

11:33 — FNN (TV) Capitol police are expanding the area that is locked down. House staffers reported hearing gun shots and smelling gun powder.

11:38 — CNN (TV) Capitol police will be holding a press conference at noon.

11:59 — FNN (TV) Reporting that someone with a gun has been found and that the Capitol has been locked down once again.

12:15 — FNN (TV) Reporting that two women reported seeing a white male with a gun in the Rayburn building gym.

12:21 — FNN (TV) Just had video of a woman being removed from the area on a stretcher, but no information on the reason. (12:33 reported to be a case of anxiety. 13:10 A member of Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA) staff.)

12:36 — CNN (TV) Capitol building has be re-opened.

12:50 — FNN (TV) The next press conference with the Capitol Police Dept. has been moved back to 1:30 EDT.

More as it becomes available.

UPDATE: Capitol Hill Police have given the all clrear at the Rayburn Building (15:30 EDT FNN TV)

Listening to Sean Hannity and he is saying that it appears as if the source of the “gunshots” may have been some construction equipment. Still, the response looked to be appropriate and well carried out.