An 18-year-old man was taken into custody Tuesday after he ran toward the U.S. Capitol while carrying a loaded shotgun. The suspect, who was wearing tactical gear, complied with police orders to drop his weapon and was arrested without further incident.
U.S. Capitol Police detained an 18-year-old man Tuesday afternoon after he charged toward the Capitol building while armed with a loaded shotgun, according to Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan.
The suspect arrived at the scene shortly after midday in a white Mercedes SUV, parking close to the Capitol before exiting his vehicle and sprinting toward the building that serves as home to Congress, Sullivan explained.
Authorities discovered the young man was outfitted in tactical equipment, including a protective vest and gloves. Officers also found additional gear in his vehicle, including a Kevlar helmet and gas mask.
When confronted by law enforcement officers who commanded him to surrender his firearm, the suspect cooperated and dropped the weapon, Sullivan reported to the media.
Police have not yet determined what motivated the individual’s actions.
This security breach occurred just under three months following a deadly ambush attack near the White House that claimed the life of one National Guard member and left another injured.
The timing is particularly notable as President Donald Trump is scheduled to present his State of the Union speech at the Capitol next week.
“We take the State of the Union very, very seriously, and this doesn’t change our posture. We will be prepared on State of the Union night,” Sullivan said.