An alarming situation unfolded on Election Day when a man entered the Capitol Visitor Center carrying disturbing items.
He was discovered drenched in fuel, armed with a torch and a flare gun, raising immediate concerns for safety.
The Capitol Police reported the incident around 1:45 PM ET on their X account, clarifying that the situation was not connected to the elections.
“Our officers just arrested a man who was stopped during our screening process at the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC),” the post stated.
They confirmed the man had a strong smell of fuel, along with a torch and a flare gun in his possession.
Lawmakers Away and Investigation Underway
On the day of the incident, most lawmakers were out of Washington, D.C., busy with their reelection campaigns back in their districts.
This absence meant the Capitol Visitor Center was closed for tours while authorities conducted their investigation into the alarming situation.
During a press conference later that afternoon, authorities provided more context about the man’s arrest.
They disclosed that he had approached the screening area of the visitor center with clothes soaked in fuel, prompting immediate action from the Capitol Police.
The unsettling smell alerted officers, who acted quickly to apprehend him.
Quick Response from Capitol Police
Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger recounted the sequence of events during a press briefing.
He explained, “He stood there for a few seconds and then put his stuff on the conveyor belt.
As soon as his coat and backpack went through the screening area, U.S. Capitol Police officers saw something that appeared to be a firearm as well as two bottles.”
Manger reiterated that there was no connection between the suspect and the election.
“There’s no indication right now that it had anything to do with the election,” he stated firmly.
Discovery of Hazardous Materials
Following the man’s arrest, a thorough search revealed more concerning items.
Authorities found a blow torch, a flare gun, and additional incendiary liquids in his possession.
Manger noted, “As they were standing there, one of the officers noticed a faint odor of gasoline.
When they pulled the backpack off the conveyor belt, they noticed a much stronger odor of gasoline.”
The police swiftly detained the individual once the strong gasoline smell was detected.
A Disturbing Backstory
According to sources familiar with the case, the suspect, described as a white male in his late 20s, had traveled overnight from Michigan to Washington, D.C.
It was also revealed that he carried a 25-page manifesto, which he allegedly intended to deliver to Congress.
Sources indicated that he was acting alone and had not been previously identified by the Capitol Police.
With the investigation still ongoing, many are left wondering about the man’s motives and the potential implications of his actions.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn