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U.S. Capitol Shooting Suspect From Tennessee

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The suspect allegedly responsible for a shooting at the U.S. Capitol has been identified as a man from Antioch, Tennessee.

CBS News reported that 67-year-old Larry Dawson was behind the shooting that took place just before 2 p.m. Eastern Monday in the U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center in Washington, D.C.

Officials with the Department of Commerce and Insurance said Dawson is from Antioch, Tennessee.

Neighbors said he lived with his daughter and son-in-law, and was often seen walking his dog and chatting with people in the neighborhood.

"He’s a real friendly guy," said Stephanie Hopkins, who lives next door to Dawson.  "He’s a nice person.  He's friendly with everyone.  Everyone knows him around here."

During a press conference following the shooting, officials with the US Capitol Police would not confirm the suspect’s name, but said he was known to police for previous incidents.

Dawson was arrested for interrupting a House Chamber meeting at the Capitol in 2015. He could be heard shouting "I'm a prophet of God" throughout the chamber.

Police said the suspect was transported to the hospital to be treated for injuries sustained during the shooting. His exact condition was not clear. 

Despite early reports, no officers were injured. Emergency crews responded to the Capitol after the shooting was reported on the east side of the complex.

The D.C. Police Department said that it was an "isolated incident" at the U.S. Capitol with "no active threat to the public."

Dawson is also the pastor of the St. Luke's Community Church in Antioch.  His photo appears on the church's website, as well as details on "The Movement" where he encouraged people to support raising the federal minimum wage to $15.  Neighbors said it was a cause he was passionate about, and he often went to Washington, D.C. to lobby for the change.

Dawson was also accused of harassing a teenage girl back in 2001. He was a Williamson County school bus driver at the time.

He was accused of making unwanted advances toward the girl who was a passenger on his school bus by writing the 17-year-old a letter asking her to become his wife and bear his children.  At the time he claimed to be a "prophet of God."  The state suggested Dawson was insane and unfit to stand trial on the charges.

Arthur Menifee worked as a Williamson County school bus driver with Dawson in the 1980s.  He remembered him as someone who was helpful and trustworthy.

"He was quiet, but he liked to talk," recalled Menifee.  "He was good natured."

A Department of Commerce and Insurance official said Dawson did at one time have a state funeral directors license, but it was revoked.

He repeatedly tried to regain his license, but was refused by the state because of the allegations surrounding the 17-year-old.