Pentagon in lockdown for a while after shooting at bus and subway station: officer killed, gunman shot

The shooting incident took place around 11 a.m. local time (5 p.m. in Belgium) at the bus station located just outside the Ministry of Defense building, which is used daily by thousands of employees. Through the loudspeaker system, Pentagon employees were called to remain in the building.

Multiple injured

American media report that several people have been injured, there is also one fatality. A police officer who was shot died died in hospital from his injuries. It is not yet clear how serious the injuries of the other victims are, nor how many people are involved. According to the emergency services of the municipality of Arlington, where the Pentagon is located, "several persons" were treated at the scene. The gunman was shot dead by officers.

"The Pentagon is on alert because of an incident at the transit station," the US military's defense force tweeted about the incident. “We call on the public to avoid the zone.” The lockdown was lifted just after 12 noon, but the exits of the metro and bus station will remain closed for the time being.

Several shots were heard at the bus station, which is located just outside the Defense Ministry building and is used daily by thousands of employees. © AFP

An AP reporter testified that he heard several shots near the Pentagon, then a pause, and then at least one more shot. Another AP reporter heard police yelling "shooter." Television channels showed images of several ambulances and police cars around the site.

Important entrance

The bus platform is located one block from the Pentagon and is part of the Pentagon Transit Center . This is a major entrance to the Pentagon and is used daily by thousands of staff entering and exiting the building. The bus platform is used by several bus lines in the area.

The Pentagon Building is located in Arlington County, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington DC