An 18-year-old man armed with a loaded shotgun allegedly rushed toward the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, prompting a swift interception by U.S. Capitol Police.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan said that just before noon, the suspect got out of a Mercedes SUV and started running toward the capitol carrying a loaded shotgun and additional rounds.
Officers intercepted the man, ordered him to drop the weapon, and took him into custody, according to Sullivan.
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The man, whose identity has not yet been released, was wearing a tactical vest, tactical gloves and had a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in the SUV, according to Sullivan.
Images taken at the scene showed authorities surrounding a vehicle.
Police said the man does not live in the Washington, D.C. area, and the motive is unknown.
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“I want to commend the officers for the brave service that they provided here today,” Sullivan said during a news conference. “Who knows what could have happened if we didn’t have officers here standing guard like they do every single day.”
Sullivan added just a few months ago, Capitol Police had an active shooter exercise on the West Front, virtually in the same spot as Tuesday’s incident.
“We do those active shooter exercises every single month, and that’s why we do it,” he said.
The area was later cleared and reopened.
Police said there does not appear to be any other suspects or an ongoing threat.
