Who is Larry Dawson? Police identify suspect in U.S. Capitol Visitor Center shooting

Law enforcement and rescue vehicle are seen on a street leading to Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, March 28, 2016, after reports of gunfire at the Capitol Visitor Center complex. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Credit: Alex Brandon

Credit: Alex Brandon

Law enforcement and rescue vehicle are seen on a street leading to Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, March 28, 2016, after reports of gunfire at the Capitol Visitor Center complex. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)


Authorities identified the man suspected of drawing a weapon at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Monday afternoon as Larry Russell Dawson, a Tennessee man known to Capitol Police, according to the Associated Press.

Officers arrested Dawson, 66, in October after he started shouting that he was a "prophet of God" during a meeting in the U.S. House chamber, according to The Daily Beast. He was escorted away by police and charged with unlawful conduct and assault on a police officer.

According to court records, Dawson pleaded not guilty to the charges on Oct. 23, 2015. He was ordered to stay away from the U.S. Capitol building and its grounds.

In November, a bench warrant was issued for Dawson after he failed to appear in court.

According to Capitol Police, Dawson drew a weapon in a screening area at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Monday afternoon. At least one police officer drew a gun and fired on Dawson. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was in surgery Monday afternoon.

His condition was unknown.

A bystander, identified only as a woman between the ages of 35 and 45, was injured in the shooting. Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa said her injuries appeared to be minor.