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Is The Queen OK Following The Parliament Attack?

by Mary Kate McGrath
Carl Court/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Lawmakers inside the House of Commons and all inside Westminster Palace went into lockdown on Wednesday afternoon, after a shooting was reported near the UK Parliament building. While the New York Times is reporting that witnesses heard gunfire near Portcullis House, one of the parliamentary office buildings, the Queen has not been reported to be harmed.

The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed responding to a gunfire incident on Westminster Bridge, where several were injured in what the police are considering an act of terrorism. The House of Commons was suspended and lawmakers were told to stay in their offices and halls until further notice.

As of right now, the BBC is reporting that a Downing Street source says Prime Minister Theresa May is unharmed, and there is no further evidence that top lawmakers or royal family members were hurt.

News of what exactly happening during the incident is still unfolding, but members of Parliament remain on lockdown. "At the moment, the very clear advice from the police and the director of security in the house is that we should remain under suspension, and that the chamber should remain in lockdown until we’ve received advice that it is safe to go back to normal procedures," David Lidington, the leader of the House of Commons, told the BBC.

Buckingham Palace is likely to remain on high alert until more is known about the attack. According to The Telegraph, the estate declined to comment on enhanced security following the incident and referred back to the Metropolitan Police. The Telegraph reports that the Royal Standard flag is flying above the palace, which indicates that the Queen is in residence. The Telegraph also reports that gates were closed and patrolled by armed police.

A spokesperson confirmed to NBC News that Queen Elizabeth II was at Buckingham Palace during the incident. There has been no official comment from the Royal Family on social media or elsewhere.