Reports of a person with a gun at the Vermont Tax Department sent state buildings and Montpelier schools into lockdown. But after searching several buildings, no suspect or firearm was found.

Our Calvin Cutler breaks down what happened.

During the hourslong incident, state employees were in lockdown. They have since been allowed outside.

Around 11 a.m. Friday, a member of the public reported seeing someone going into 133 State Street with a long gun.

Law enforcement agencies placed the building on lockdown, clearing the street from Bailey Avenue to Governor Davis Avenue.

Mary McAfee, a financial specialist, was inside the building for two hours before she was evacuated.

"It was still we didn't know what was going on. Part of me was like, nope, nothing's going on, but it was still kind of stressful because I know I have a daughter that would worry, so I called her so she wouldn't see it on the news," McAfee said.

Police blocked off several city blocks while tactical crews searched the building. K-9 units made several sweeps, searching every corner of the building for a threat.

Bystanders in Montpelier say it was a potentially dangerous situation.

"I'm baffled. I've never been in a situation like this," witness Kaylynn Short said. "It is kind of scary because I'm from the country where nothing happens."

All Montpelier schools were put on lockout mode, which means classes continued as normal but nobody could enter or exit the buildings.

By late Friday afternoon, all buildings in the Capitol Complex had reopened, including the building at 133 State Street.