The BBC talked to workers and onlookers in the area
The ex-US Navy reservist who killed 12 people and wounded eight at a Washington DC Navy installation had received treatment for mental health issues, US media have reported.
Aaron Alexis, 34, was treated for paranoia, trouble sleeping and hearing voices, the Associated Press reported.
Before Monday's shooting at the Washington Navy Yard he was employed as a technical contractor there.
He was shot and killed by police during the attack.
On Tuesday, the US capital remained in a state of shock after the shootings. The flag flew at half-mast over the White House, where hours after the shooting President Barack Obama had mourned "yet another mass shooting".
No motive is known for the attack.
The victims ranged in age from 46 to 73, and details about their identities and lives have just begun to emerge.
Police initially responded to reports of two other armed suspects, but after exhaustive searches authorities said they were all but certain that Alexis was the only gunman.
Washington Police Chief Cathy Lanier told reporters the gunman "was engaged in shooting with police officers" when he died. "There is no question he would have kept shooting," she added.
the naval reserve from 2007-11, said the US Navy.
He received two routine medals for his service in the Navy: the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Alexis separated from the Navy reserves under what is called a general discharge, a status that suggests misconduct. It was not immediately clear why he left the military, but unnamed military officers told US media there had been a series of issues during his service.
According to media reports, Alexis was a Buddhist convert who had had two previous gun-related brushes with the law.
In 2004 he was arrested in Seattle for shooting a construction worker's car tyres, in what he described as an enraged "black-out".
And he was questioned by Fort Worth police in 2010 after firing his gun through the floor of an upstairs apartment. He said it was an accidental discharge.
All three were expected to recover.In addition to those killed in Monday's rampage, one police officer was shot in the legs, a female civilian was shot in the head and hand, and another woman was treated for a shoulder wound.
Five others required medical treatment, mostly for minor injuries, said Washington DC Mayor Vincent Gray.
