Argument leads to stabbing at USDA headquarters

A contract employee for the Agriculture Department was stabbed 11 a.m. Tuesday and hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The Federal Protective Service is looking for the suspect, who knew the victim.

The victim and suspect had an altercation shortly before the stabbing, which occurred inside Agriculture's headquarters, said Julie Quick, a department spokeswoman.

"There is no reason to think this was a random act of violence," she said.

Quick said the Agriculture building, located at 1400 Independence Ave. SW, was secured for about one hour after the stabbing, and no one was able to leave or enter. She said she was not aware that anyone had been arrested as of Tuesday afternoon.

A spokesman for the Federal Protective Service said the agency was on top of the issue, but was unable to provide additional information.