The Hill’s John Bresnahan answers some questions about paintball, its pros and cons, and the new legislation aimed at protecting its users.
| AP Photo The Hill: Paintball guns are legal, but the new law could kill them article The Capitol Police Department says it’s investigating the Capitol police for using paintball firearms against protesters at the state capitol.
In the latest in a series of deadly clashes between the Capitol Police and Capitol Police, at least six people were injured.
The Capitol police said the Capitol is in lockdown while the Capitol Protection Task Force investigates the incident.
The Capitol Police Chief said in a statement that the Capitol was placed on lockdown Tuesday evening after the Capitol protection task force reported that a gun was discharged at the Capitol, and that officers were confronted by people attempting to use paintball equipment at the event.
The police chief said in his statement that officers fired on the person who was attempting to fire a paintball gun, but that they were able to get the gun from him without injury.
The Washington, D.C., Police Department said it was investigating the incident and that the investigation is ongoing.
Police Chief Brian Stelter said in an email that he was aware of the incident, and “the Capitol police are on high alert and will work with the task force to determine if this was an act of violence.”
The Capitol police statement also said that Capitol Protection members and law enforcement are now being asked to wear masks while at the capitol to ensure safety.