Man who ‘smelled like fuel’ with a flare gun arrested at the Capitol on Election Day
U.S. Capitol Police arrested a man who entered the Capitol Visitor Center on Election Day, doused in fuel and carrying a torch and flare gun.
The terrifying incident was reported around 1:45 PM ET on the Capitol Police’s X account. It had nothing to do with the elections, authorities later confirmed.
“Our officers just arrested a man who was apprehended during our screening process at the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC),” the post said.
“The man smelled of fuel, had a torch and a flare gun.”
“The CVC will be closed for tours that day while we investigate,” the Capitol Police post concluded.
One person was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police after entering the Capitol Visitors Center, smelling of fuel and carrying a torch and flare. The frightening incident was reported around 1:45 PM ET and the visitor center was immediately closed
The lawmakers who usually pack the halls of Congress are notably back in their districts this week, and most of them are up for re-election.
Authorities announced more details during a press conference Tuesday afternoon.
The person was apprehended in the screening area of the visitor center, they said.
They revealed to the outlet that the suspect’s clothing was soaking wet and smelled of fuel as he approached.
When he smelled the odor and noticed something was wrong, Capitol Police immediately arrested the man.
“He stood there for a few seconds and then put his stuff on the conveyor belt. As soon as his jacket and backpack passed through the screening area, U.S. Capitol Police officers observed what appeared to be a firearm, as well as two bottles,” USCP Chief Thomas Manger said at a news conference.
He confirmed it had nothing to do with the elections.
U.S. Capitol Police quickly arrested the person. Sources say he is a white man in his late twenties
“There is no indication at this point that it has anything to do with the election,” he said.
After a search, a blowtorch, flare gun and other flammable liquids were found on the man.
Manger continued, “While 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.”
‘At that moment the suspect was arrested. He was arrested.’
‘We found a flare gun and a lighter in his jacket. There were also other items in his backpack. He is now in custody,” the chief continued, adding that it is “a very active investigation.”
U.S. Capitol Police stand guard at the Capitol in Washington on Monday, November 4, 2024
Fox News reported that sources close to the situation said this man also had a 25-page manifesto that he supposedly wanted to give to Congress.
The sources said the person was a white man in his late 20s who was driving from Michigan to Washington overnight.
They also told the outlet that the man acted alone and had not previously been identified to Capitol Police.