Authorities have disclosed that an 18-year-old gunman arrested outside the US Capitol was carrying a loaded shotgun and wearing a tactical vest. US Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan announced the details during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, revealing that the would-be assailant was spotted as he began running toward the Capitol with his weapon drawn.
Swift Police Intervention Prevents Potential Tragedy
The young man, who is not from the local area and was previously unknown to authorities, approached the Capitol from its western entrance with the shotgun in hand. Capitol Police officers immediately challenged him, and the suspect complied with their commands. He was equipped with additional rounds of ammunition, raising serious concerns about his intentions.
Timeline of the Security Incident
US Capitol Police issued a threat warning just after noon local time, alerting the public to an incident near the Capitol's Lower West Terrace. In a statement, they advised: 'Our officers just arrested a person with what appears to be a gun near the West Front of the US Capitol Building. Please avoid the area.' The statement further directed staff and personnel to steer clear until further notice.
Within 30 minutes, authorities confirmed the arrest of the suspect. Maryland Avenue was temporarily closed between First and Third Streets, SW, as police secured the scene. Images from the location showed numerous officers near the Lower West Terrace with police tape erected while investigations proceeded.
Vehicle Searched and Towed from Scene
A White Mercedes Benz, suspected to belong to the 18-year-old assailant, was thoroughly searched by Capitol Police and subsequently towed following the incident. The Lower West Terrace, a rarely used space on the Capitol's entrance facing the National Mall primarily reserved for presidential inaugurations, became the focal point of this security breach.
All Clear Given as Traffic Resumes Normally
By approximately 2 pm local time, US Capitol Police gave the all-clear signal, allowing traffic to resume as normal. Lawmakers are currently in recess this week, with most representatives and senators absent from Washington or the Capitol, potentially mitigating risks.
One Capitol Hill aide shared with the Daily Mail: 'The fact that I work in a building that’s such a major target is always in the back of my mind when I’m coming into work. It’s definitely a little unnerving at times, but I’m thankful that the Capitol police do such a great job protecting us and stopping these incidents before they become a tragedy.'
Rising Threats Against Capitol Complex and Lawmakers
The Capitol Complex and members of Congress have experienced a significant increase in threats over the past five years. Recently, Capitol Police released a threat assessment indicating a drastic rise in concerning statements, behaviors, and communications directed against lawmakers, their families, staff, and the Capitol Complex.
In 2025, the agency investigated 14,938 incidents, marking a substantial year-over-year increase from the 9,474 incidents recorded in 2024. This trend underscores growing security challenges.
Recent Attacks on Democratic Lawmakers
This year alone, two members of Congress have been attacked, reflecting the escalating dangers. Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota was sprayed with an unknown substance from a syringe during a town hall in Minneapolis. Days earlier, Democratic Congressman Maxwell Frost of Florida was punched in the face while attending the Sundance Film Festival.
The individuals responsible for spraying Omar and punching Frost were later charged with assault. Capitol Police have confirmed that there are no other suspects in the recent Capitol incident at this time, and they have been contacted for further comment on these ongoing security matters.
