Shooting here at the Chester County Justice Center in West Chester. http://t.co/uPe8eqpOe8
There has been a shots fired called at Chester County Courthouse in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The courts have been evacuated. The town is located 36 miles west of Philadelphia.
One man was killed in the shooting. He’s believed to be White House fence jumper Curtis Smith.
This is a breaking story so stay tuned for updates.
Here’s what we know so far:
1. Most of the Court House Was Evacuated
The scene outside the courthouse in the aftermath of the shooting. (Screengrab via NBC Philadelphia)
NBC Philadelphia reports that the shooting took place just before noon on August 25. A lockdown followed, with the area where the shooting occurred evacuated.
2. One of the Victims Is a County Sheriff
Initial reports suggest that two people have been injured as a result of the shooting. One of the victims is a Chester County sheriff, the gunfire broke out in the lobby of the complex’s “justice center,” reports Daily Local News editor Andy Hachadorian. He adds that both victims have been rushed to local hospitals.
3. Deputies Quickly Got the Situation Under Control
The situation has been is now under control, reports ABC Philadelphia. Roads around the courthouse reopened less than an hour after the shots rang out. Though a large police presence and even a helicopter remained on scene. Chester County District Attorney Thomas Hogan wrote on his Facebook page that:
There was an incident in the lobby of the Chester County Justice Center. Sheriff’s Deputies neutralized the threat and the area is secure. The Justice Center will be closed to the public for the rest of the day. More details will follow.
4. The Building Is One of the Most Historic in Pennsylvania
The courts were designed by Thomas Walter, who also built the dome on the U.S. Capitol building. The building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972 and the Historic American Buildings Survey since 1958. The courthouse is located at 201 West Market Street in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
5. Another Shooting Took Place at the Same Time Just a Few Miles Away
At the same time as this shooting took place, there were similar reports of an attack in Glenolden, Pennsylvania, about 40 miles from West Chester. In that case, ABC Philadelphia reports that the shooting took place at Eaton Aerospace. Two people are reported to have been wounded there.