Man with loaded shotgun and tactical gear arrested near U.S. Capitol, police say

Man with loaded shotgun and tactical gear arrested near U.S. Capitol, police say
A view of the dome of the U.S. Capitol building, Washington, D.C., U.S.
Reuters

An unidentified man was taken into custody on Tuesday (17 February) after running towards the U.S. Capitol carrying a loaded shotgun and wearing tactical gear, according to Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan.

Speaking to reporters, Sullivan said the incident occurred just after noon, when the suspect parked a white Mercedes SUV in the 100 block of Maryland Avenue.

“He exited the vehicle with a shotgun and began running towards the Capitol, up the walkway just behind me,” Sullivan said. Officers quickly spotted the individual as he approached the building, challenged him and ordered him to drop the weapon and get on the ground. The suspect complied and was immediately taken into custody by U.S. Capitol Police.

Sullivan said the man was wearing a tactical vest and tactical gloves at the time of the incident. The shotgun was loaded, and the suspect had additional rounds of ammunition on his person. The suspect was apprehended in the walkway near the stairway area.

A search of the vehicle uncovered further equipment, including a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask, the police chief added.

Sullivan said the investigation remains ongoing and declined to provide additional details. He also stated that Capitol Police are preparing for next week’s State of the Union address and that Tuesday’s incident “does not change our posture.”

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