Capitol Police neutralized a significant security threat at the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C.
On Tuesday, a man suspected of carrying potentially dangerous materials including a flare gun and a blowtorch was detained during a routine security check, Fox News reported.
The U.S. Capitol Police apprehended the man after detecting a strong odor of fuel and discovering incendiary devices in his possession at around 12:30 p.m. ET. The security screening process at the Capitol Visitor Center swiftly identified the threat, leading to the immediate closure of the facility for further investigation.
The man, a White male in his late 20s hailing from Michigan, drove overnight to reach the Capitol. Officers noted that his clothing was wet and smelled strongly of gasoline when they arrested him, raising immediate concerns about his intentions.
Authorities discovered a torch, a flare gun, and several bottles filled with flammable liquids inside his backpack. Security personnel at the center also saw a firearm-shaped object during the initial screening, further alarming them.
Chief Thomas Manger of the Capitol Police provided details about the arrest. "During the security screening, our officers observed several alarming items and detected a faint gasoline odor from the suspect’s belongings," Manger explained. The scent intensified significantly once the backpack was inspected more closely.
Further investigations led to the discovery of a 25-page manifesto that the suspect intended to deliver to Congress. The contents and purpose of these documents are currently under close examination by authorities.
Chief Thomas Manger commented on the incident, elaborating on the suspect's intentions with the papers found. "He had papers with him that he said he intended to deliver them to Congress. We're still going through all of those papers. It's quite a bit, and we are trying to determine where he did come from," Manger stated.
The suspect's vehicle was located and seized several blocks from the Capitol, adding another layer to the ongoing investigation. While the suspect was compliant during the arrest, the full scope of his plans remains unclear. Officers noted his swift compliance during the arrest process and had to urge him to hasten his movements through the security checkpoint.
This incident has occurred amidst heightened security measures across Washington, D.C., and other major cities in preparation for Election Day. The unsettling discovery has added tension to an already charged atmosphere, with barricades erected and some private properties boarded up defensively.
"There is no indication right now that it had anything to do with the election," Chief Manger assured, stressing the uncertainty surrounding the suspect's motives. "Some of the suspect’s clothing smelled like gasoline, but not all of it," he added, emphasizing the complicated nature of the incident.
According to senior sources, it remains uncertain whether the suspect planned to harm himself or had other plans. The complex nature of this case continues to be a puzzle for investigators.
In conclusion, the swift actions of the Capitol Police averted a potential crisis at the Capitol Visitor Center with the arrest of a man equipped with explicit devices and a manifesto for Congress. As the investigation unfolds, details on the intentions and background of the suspect will clarify the severity and specifics of the thwarted threat.
