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18-Year-Old Arrested After Running Toward Capitol with Loaded Shotgun

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 4:32 PM

Capitol Police arrested an 18-year-old man Tuesday after he abandoned his Mercedes SUV and sprinted toward the U.S. Capitol building while carrying a loaded shotgun. The suspect was wearing tactical gear and had additional ammunition, prompting an investigation into his motives and whether lawmakers were targeted.

WASHINGTON — An 18-year-old man was taken into custody by U.S. Capitol Police on Tuesday following a dangerous incident in which he abandoned his vehicle and charged toward the Capitol building while armed with a loaded shotgun.

According to Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan, the suspect left a Mercedes SUV parked near the Capitol and sprinted “several hundred yards” toward the building’s west entrance before law enforcement officers stopped him and forced him to the ground.

During a news briefing after the incident, Chief Sullivan revealed that the individual was equipped with tactical gear including a protective vest and gloves. Officers also discovered a Kevlar helmet and gas mask inside his vehicle. Sullivan confirmed the shotgun contained ammunition and the suspect carried extra rounds.

Authorities are still investigating what motivated the attack, including the possibility that members of Congress were intended targets. However, Congress is currently not in session.

Chief Sullivan mentioned that his department has surveillance video of the event but is requesting any additional footage the public may have captured.

“Who knows what would have happened if we wouldn’t have officers standing here?” Sullivan stated, noting that his department had conducted active shooter training exercises in nearly the same location in recent months.

The suspect was previously unknown to law enforcement and Sullivan indicated he is not from the Washington area. The Mercedes SUV was not registered under the young man’s name, and authorities say he maintains multiple residential addresses.

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