As Capitol shooting unfolds, new media take the lead

Reporters using smartphones during a crisis isn’t a new concept.

Monday, when the United States Capitol campus was on lockdown, however, journalists—and their devices—were the primary source for updating millions of people eager for information.

As news broke yesterday afternoon that an armed gunman had put the heart of Washington, D.C., in “shelter in place” mode, an abundance of questions followed online.

Here’s what the Associated Press was able to report:

The event unfolded with Congress on recess and lawmakers back in their districts. The White House was briefly put on lockdown, but that was soon lifted.

The shooting occurred in the Visitors Center of the sprawling Capitol Complex. Staffers, reporters and others were told to “shelter in place” and not allowed to leave their offices.

As many media outlets—other than journalists who were on lockdown—weren’t able to get close enough to the building to take video, social media emerged as a primary channel for conveying information.

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On Twitter, #CapitolLockdown and #CapitolShooting trended, and despite some inaccurate information throughout the day, it—and other social media platforms such as Instagram—became news hubs delivering up-to-date facts on the safety of guests and staffers.

Even the Washington, D.C., Police Department used Twitter to conduct damage control and calm nerves:

There has been an isolated incident at the US Capitol. There is no active threat to the public

— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) March 28, 2016

Before the shooter—66-year-old Tennessee resident Larry Dawson—was arrested and Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa could hold a press conference, NBC Capitol correspondent Luke Russert broke the news. He reported updates throughout the day, primarily using his smartphone.

Shelter in place order just went over PA systems in the Capitol. A lot of police activity near visitor center. Roads closed.

— Luke Russert (@LukeRussert) March 28, 2016

Capitol cafeteria workers wait in park after being escorted out of the building. http://pic.twitter.com/7P9KzLGQhG

— Luke Russert (@LukeRussert) March 28, 2016

With no TV cameras available on scene because of the “shelter in place” order, MSNBC used live-stream video through a handheld smartphone to deliver live visuals to its audience.

Despite the confusion that crises tend to generate (with news outlets reporting contradicting or inaccurate information, PR pros scrambling for information to feed sources, etc.), through photos, videos and tweets, reporters could issue updates in real time.

CNN reports that after being shot by a police officer yesterday, Dawson is in critical but stable condition. He’s been charged with assault with a deadly weapon and assault of a police officer while armed.

A female civilian bystander was injured by bullet fragments, but no U.S. Capitol Police officers were injured.

During his press conference, Verderosa said the complex would be open Tuesday for business as usual, NBC reports.

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