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Texas Capitol Locked Down

By Shelley Kofler, KERA News

Dallas, TX –

The Department of Public Safety says it has locked down the state capitol in Austin after shots were fired on the south steps of the building.

It all happened around 12:15. A DPS spokesman says a 24 year old Houston area man, carrying a handgun, fired at least three shots up into the air away from the capitol

The DPS says state troopers stationed at the capitol then drew their guns and arrested the man after a brief struggle.

No one was injured and authorities says they do not know why the man fired. Governor Rick Perry's office says the Governor was not in the building.

The DPS says the capitol will be closed to the public for the rest of the day while the situation is assessed.