An 18-year-old male was apprehended after he sprinted towards the U.S. Capitol while armed with a loaded shotgun, according to Capitol Police reports. The incident occurred around noon on Tuesday when the individual parked a white Mercedes SUV, exited the vehicle, and began running towards the Capitol building. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan stated that officers on duty noticed the individual and commanded him to drop the weapon, which he complied with immediately by laying it down, followed by his arrest.

In addition to the shotgun, the suspect was found to have extra ammunition, a tactical vest, and military gloves on his person. Inside his vehicle, police discovered a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask, raising concerns about his intentions. Chief Sullivan remarked on the potential danger of the situation by questioning, "Who knows what could have happened" if police had not been vigilant during the incident.

Authorities evacuated the surrounding area to ensure the safety of the public and began investigating the exact motivations behind the suspect's actions. Given the historical significance and sensitivity surrounding the U.S. Capitol, this incident has raised alarms about security measures and the preparedness of law enforcement in dealing with similar threats, particularly in a tense political climate.