In Brief
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An 18-year-vintage man armed with a shotgun was arrested near the U.S. Capitol.
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The man was wearing a tactical vest, gloves and had ammunition with him; a helmet and gas mask were found in his vehicle.
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The motive for the man’s actions remains unknown; no one was injured during the incident.
An 18-year-old man armed with a shotgun exited a vehicle parked near the Capitol and began running toward the Congress building, according to Capitol Police.
The man complied with officers’ instructions to drop the weapon and then lay on the ground, where he was taken into custody by police. No injuries were reported.
Capitol Police stated the man was wearing a tactical vest and tactical gloves. He possessed extra ammunition. A helmet and gas mask were also discovered in his car.
The 18-year-old, who is from Georgia, was not previously known to law enforcement. He has been arrested on charges including possession of a firearm without a permit. His motive remains unclear at this time.
Security Alert in Washington D.C.: Armed Man Apprehended Near Capitol
“Our officers just arrested an unidentified individual with what appeared to be a weapon near the west side of the United States Capitol,” Capitol Police wrote in an earlier statement.
Authorities also announced the temporary closure of several streets near the Capitol while investigators worked at the scene. “At this time, it does not appear We find any other suspects or a threat,” officials said.
Members of both chambers of Congress are currently outside of Washington this week.
