BREAKING NEWS:Four dead in Navy Yard shooting

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WASHINGTON — The Washington Navy Yard was placed on lockdown after multiple shots were fired inside a building on the base, the U.S. Navy said. Four people were killed, according to several news reports. The Navy confirmed multiple fatalities, but would not immediately confirm that figure.

At least 10 people were injured in the shooting, including eight civilians, one Washington, D.C., Metro police officer and one base officer, D.C. Metro Police said.

Ed Ziegler, director of public affairs for the Naval District of Washington, said two suspected shooters were  pinned down inside the building. Ziegler said he did not know the condition of those suspects.

The Navy said shots were fired at the Naval Sea Systems Command Headquarters building on the base at 8:20 a.m., and a "shelter in place" order was issued for Navy Yard personnel, the Navy said.

Rick Mason, administrative specialist program management specialist for the U.S. Navy, told Yahoo News he was on the fourth floor when he saw a shooter had a shotgun, aiming down into the atrium. The gunman, Mason said, was targeting people who walked into the cafeteria.

Approximately 3,000 people work in the building where the shots were heard, though it's unclear how many people were inside at the time of the shooting.

A heavy SWAT and police presence could be seen around the Navy Yard, and a helicopter was circling overhead.

Employees could be seen huddled outside the base crying and holding each other. At least one of the victims was airlifted from the scene.

A ground stop was ordered at Reagan National Airport, and schools in the area were placed on temporary lockdown.

A White House official said President Barack Obama has been briefed several times about the unfolding situation at the Navy Yard by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco and Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Mastromanaco.

The Navy relayed news of the shooting via Twitter:

#BREAKING: #USNavy confirms active shooter at Washington Navy Yard. More to follow.

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) September 16, 2013

#BREAKING: #USNavy confirms 3 shots fired 820am at @NAVSEA HQs BLDG 197. More to follow. #NavyYardShooting

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) September 16, 2013

#BREAKING: Still active shooter. More base police entering building. Approx. 3000 people work in bldg. #NavyYardShooting

— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) September 16, 2013

More background on the Naval Sea Systems Command operation via the Navy's website:

With a force of 60,000 civilian, military and contract support personnel, NAVSEA engineers, builds, buys and maintains the Navy's ships and submarines and their combat systems.

— Yahoo News Reporter Chris Moody is reporting from the scene in Washington, D.C.