Washington — An 18-year-old man allegedly carrying a shotgun and operating towards the Capitol was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police on Tuesday, the top of the police pressure mentioned.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan mentioned the person parked a white Mercedes SUV close to the Capitol simply after midday and exited the automobile with the shotgun. He then started operating towards the West Entrance of the Capitol, the facet that’s adjoining to the Nationwide Mall.
“This particular person was challenged by United States Capitol Law enforcement officials with the intention to drop the weapon, which he did adjust to,” Sullivan mentioned at a information convention Tuesday afternoon. “He laid down the weapon after which laid down on the bottom and was taken into custody by our United States Capitol Law enforcement officials.”
Sullivan mentioned the person, whom he didn’t identify, was sporting a tactical vest and had tactical gloves. He mentioned the shotgun was loaded, and the person was carrying extra rounds. Officers discovered a Kevlar helmet and a gasoline masks in his automobile, Sullivan mentioned.
The police chief mentioned the suspect was not beforehand recognized to Capitol Police. He mentioned the person is an 18-year-old “who doesn’t stay within the space.” He mentioned the automobile was not registered to the person and he had a number of addresses, “so we’re attempting to chase down the place he truly got here from.”
Requested by a reporter in regards to the suspect’s motive, Sullivan mentioned police have been unaware of a motive and that the investigation is ongoing.
U.S. Capitol Police famous earlier Tuesday that the person was in custody and that there didn’t seem like different suspects or an ongoing menace.
Sullivan recommended the officers who apprehended the person.
“Who is aware of what may have occurred if we would not have had officers right here standing guard like they do each single day,” he mentioned.
