A man has been arrested at the Capitol, after it was noted he smelled like fuel, had a torch & a flare gun.
U.S. Capitol Police reported Tuesday that officers detained a man who "smelled like fuel" and was found with a torch and a flare gun at the Capitol.
The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was stopped during security screening at the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). "The CVC is closed for tours for the day while we investigate. We will provide more information when we can," the Capitol Police shared on X.
According to sources, the suspect had a 25-page manifesto he intended to deliver to Congress on Tuesday, as well as a blow torch, a flare gun, and other flammable substances.
One senior source informed Fox News that investigators were uncertain if the suspect intended self-harm. He was described as a White male in his late 20s who had driven overnight from Michigan to reach the Capitol.
Sources noted that he appears to have acted alone and was not previously on the Capitol Police’s radar. When asked for additional information, a Capitol Police spokesperson confirmed the ongoing investigation but provided no further details.
The incident occurred on Election Day as voters nationwide cast their ballots, with the presidency and congressional control at stake. The arrest took place around 12:30 p.m. ET, according to congressional security sources familiar with the situation.
