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Congress was in recess at the time of an incident involving an armed individual.
WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — An 18-year-old man was taken into custody by U.S. Capitol Police on Tuesday after he approached the Capitol Building’s west side carrying a shotgun.
Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan detailed that the young man had parked a Mercedes SUV nearby before sprinting “several hundred yards” toward the iconic structure. Officers quickly intercepted him, ordering him to the ground.
During a subsequent press briefing, Chief Sullivan revealed that the suspect was equipped with a tactical vest and gloves. In addition to the loaded shotgun, police discovered a Kevlar helmet and gas mask inside his vehicle, along with extra ammunition on his person.
Sullivan noted that an investigation is underway to determine the suspect’s intentions, including whether he aimed to target members of Congress, who were not in session at the time.
Sullivan said the department has video footage, but he asked the public for any footage they might have of the incident.
“Who knows what would have happened if we wouldn’t have officers standing here?” the chief said, adding that the department had run active shooter drills in almost the identical spot in recent months.
Sullivan said the young man was not known to authorities and described him as not being from the area. The chief said the vehicle was not registered to the suspect, who has multiple addresses.
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