JUST IN: Disturbing Particulars Emerge After Gunman’s Arrest At U.S. Capitol
The U.S. Capitol Police on Tuesday arrested an 18-year-old man who was carrying a loaded shotgun and running toward the Capitol building.
According to police reports, officers observed the individual approaching the Capitol while armed. They challenged him to drop his weapon, and he complied without resistance, at which point he was taken into custody. The suspect was wearing a tactical vest and had multiple rounds of ammunition on his person, police said.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Sullivan confirmed the additional details, stating, “the man who was arrested was running toward the Capitol with a shot gun. He was wearing a tactical vest and had additional rounds of ammo on him.”
The incident occurred just after noon at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol, prompting a temporary closure of nearby streets and a heightened security response. Authorities confirmed there was no ongoing threat following the arrest, and Congress was not in session at the time.
🚨 BREAKING: The US Capitol Police say a man wearing a tactical vest jumped out of his vehicle and began RUNNING TOWARDS the Capitol Building while wielding a shotgun
He was then challenged by officers, who ordered him to the ground, and he was taken into custody.
Can’t WAIT to… pic.twitter.com/yBhs341BlN
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 17, 2026
Maryland Avenue was temporarily closed between First and Third Streets, Southwest, to facilitate the investigation. Police had urged the public to avoid the area while the scene was secured, though the closure was lifted later in the afternoon as the situation was resolved
Details about the suspect’s identity have not been released by authorities as of 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Details on a motive or any connection between the suspect and the Capitol Building have not been disclosed as of this report.
No injuries were reported after the suspect was quickly apprehended. Eyewitness accounts and media coverage described a calm but efficient response from law enforcement. Tourists and passersby were directed away from the West Front, a prominent area often used for public gatherings and events.
The arrested individual faces potential charges related to weapons possession and trespassing, though formal charges have not yet been announced. Firearms have long been prohibited on Capitol grounds, which could lead to additional charges.
By mid-afternoon, normal activities around the Capitol had largely resumed, with traffic reopening and no further disruptions reported. The U.S. Capitol Police have not provided a timeline for releasing the suspect’s name or additional details, citing the active nature of the investigation.
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