By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• U.S. Capitol Police arrested an 18-year-old Georgia man Tuesday after he ran toward the U.S. Capitol Building carrying a loaded shotgun.
• The suspect exited a parked Mercedes SUV near Maryland Avenue and ran “several hundred yards” toward the west front before officers stopped him.
• He complied with officers’ commands to drop the firearm and was taken into custody without reported injuries.
• Authorities found a tactical vest, additional ammunition, a Kevlar helmet and gas mask associated with the suspect.
• A motive has not been determined, and U.S. Capitol Police are investigating as no other suspects or threats were identified.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Capitol Police arrested an 18-year-old man Tuesday after he ran from a vehicle toward the west side of the U.S. Capitol Building armed with a loaded shotgun, officials said.
The incident occurred shortly after noon when the suspect parked a Mercedes SUV in the 100 block of Maryland Avenue Southwest and exited with the shotgun, Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan said at a press conference. Officers intercepted him after he ran “several hundred yards” toward the west front and ordered him to put down the firearm and lie on the ground; he complied and was taken into custody without injury.
Authorities identified the suspect as a resident of Smyrna, Georgia, who was wearing a tactical vest and gloves. Officers discovered additional ammunition, a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in the vehicle, Sullivan said.
U.S. Capitol Police said there is no indication of other suspects or ongoing threats, and the area was cleared following the arrest. Law enforcement personnel are reviewing video evidence and have appealed for any additional footage from the public to assist the investigation.
The Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section is working to determine the suspect’s motive, which remained under investigation as of Wednesday. Congress was not in session at the time of the incident.