Shooter 'contained' in US Navy Yard amid several deaths, injuries

The total number of victims from the shooting is unclear, says Naval official.

WASHINGTON: The alleged shooter at the US Navy Yard in Washington has been "contained," a US Navy official said, adding that several people died and several others were injured.

The Naval official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, added that the total number of victims from the shooting was unclear.

A Washington DC police officer had been shot near the room where the gunman, armed with an assault rifle, had barricaded himself at a headquarters building at the Navy Yard grounds, the Washington Post and local media reported.

The US Navy said "several" people had suffered injuries.

"Emergency personnel are on scene and a 'shelter in place' order has been issued for Navy Yard personnel," the navy said in a statement.

Local television reported that there were as many as five casualties and the Navy said that police had entered building number 197 in search of the shooter.

The Navy said at least three shots were fired at 8:20 am (1320 GMT) in the headquarters building of the Naval Sea Systems Command.

About 3,000 people work at the headquarters, which is responsible for building and buying US warships and combat systems, the navy said.

The complex also has a residence which serves as the home of the chief of the US Navy.

Departures halted at Washington airport due to shooting
Departures have been halted at Washington's Reagan National Airport due to the  shooting at the US Navy Yard, an official said.

Chris Paolino, a spokesperson for the airport, said inbound aircraft are still landing and that the airport remains open to passengers.