Washington, D.C. – In a tense incident that has raised alarms about security around the Capitol, U.S. Capitol Police announced the arrest of a man who attempted to enter the Capitol building while exhibiting suspicious behavior. The individual was stopped during a screening process at the Capitol Visitor Center and was found to be smelling strongly of fuel and carrying potentially dangerous devices, including a torch and a flare gun. “Our officers just arrested a man who was stopped during our screening process at the Capitol Visitor Centre. The man smelled like fuel, had a torch and a flare gun,” U.S. Capitol Police reported on social media platform X.
Upon further investigation, authorities discovered that the man was in possession of two containers that emitted a gasoline odor, prompting immediate security measures. In light of this incident, the Capitol Visitor Centre has been closed for tours for the day as investigations continue. Law enforcement officials tracked the suspect's prior movements and located his vehicle at 9th and Maryland Avenue, NE, which was subsequently cleared by police. This alarming occurrence comes in the wake of the January 6, 2021, riots when supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol, disrupting the certification of the 2020 presidential election and prompting a massive evacuation of lawmakers.
As the nation approaches another election cycle, security measures remain a critical concern. The current election is widely perceived as one of the most divisive in U.S. history, with anxiety levels among the public reportedly at an all-time high. An annual survey from the American Psychological Association revealed that over 70 percent of U.S. adults expressed concern that the upcoming election results could lead to violence. In a related note, New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Luxon recently recognized outgoing President Joe Biden, commending the strong relationship between the two countries. Luxon praised Biden's dedication to public service and the cooperation that has flourished during his administration. As the investigation into the Capitol incident continues, authorities remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and security of the Capitol and its visitors. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
