The identity of the person who opened fire in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., yesterday, putting the city on lockdown for hours, has been revealed — and we have to say, we're kind of surprised.
The culprit is 66-year-old pastor Larry Russell Dawson, who was shot by police officers on Monday after he pulled out a gun at the Capitol's visitor center. The incident took place while the White House Easter Egg Roll was taking place just meters away, with thousands of kids on the front lawn.
Dawson has a history of causing trouble in Washington. He was, in fact, banned from entering the Capitol Building following an incident last year in which he was arrested for disrupting Congress by shouting "I am a prophet of God" from the balcony of the House of Representatives.

Dawson will be charged with assault with a deadly weapon, and assault on a police officer while armed.

Dawson entered the visitor center at about 2:40 p.m. local time, ignoring the Stay Away order he was slapped with after the debacle at the House of Representatives. When he walked through the security metal detector, his gun set off the alarm. In response he brandished what some eyewitnesses referred to as a "pellet gun," and pointed it at one of the security screeners. Before he could do any serious harm, he was shot down by nearby police. He is in stable, but critical, condition following surgery on his gunshot wound. His motives are still unclear.

U.S. Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa praised the "heroic and quick actions of the officers involved." He continued, "I want to assure the American public and all visitors to the United States Capitol that the USCP continues to proudly and professionally protect the Capitol, CVC, and all other Congressional Buildings. We expect regular order of business by tomorrow morning at the CVC."

(Photo: Larry Russell Dawson via Facebook)