US Police Foil Armed Attack Attempt Near Capitol Building

U.S. police have foiled an armed attack attempt near the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., after arresting an 18-year-old man who approached the complex while carrying a loaded rifle.

According to the United States Capitol Police, the suspect exited his vehicle near the Capitol’s west side and ran several hundred feet toward the building before officers intercepted him and ordered him to lie on the ground. He was taken into custody without shots being fired.

Speaking at a press conference following the arrest, Michael Sullivan, Chief of the Capitol Police, said the suspect was armed with a loaded rifle and had additional ammunition in his possession. Officers also found protective gear, including a vest and gloves, while a helmet and gas mask were discovered inside the vehicle.

Sullivan noted that the motive behind the incident remains under active investigation, including whether members of Congress were the intended target. He added that Congress was not in session at the time of the incident.

The police chief confirmed that authorities possess video footage of the event and urged members of the public who may have recorded the incident to come forward with any additional material.

According to police, the suspect was not previously known to law enforcement and is not a resident of the Washington area. Investigators also said the vehicle involved was not registered in the suspect’s name, and that he appears to have multiple listed addresses.