Capitol Police Arrest Man Armed With AR-15 Near Capitol
On Tuesday, Capitol Police captured an armed man who was parked across from the Capitol building in Washington, DC. It is unclear what prompted the Capitol Police to approach the man as no shots were fired, although the Twitter account stated that Capitol Police were "looking for a suspicious package" when they found the as-yet unidentified man in his car with an AR-15 pattern rifle.
"USCP Officers just arrested a man with a gun in the park across from Union Station," U.S. Capitol Police wrote on X just before 1 p.m. local time. "At this time we have no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat. We are working to gather more information and will put out more details when they are confirmed."
Capitol Police confirmed to Fox News that the gun was an AR-15, and the man has been arrested. Authorities believe he was acting alone.
The department had sent out an alert that Capitol police was responding to a suspicious package in the Upper Senate Park.
As of this writing, the man has not been identified, nor has any intent or possible motivation been determined. It's not impossible, of course, that there was a motive related to events in the Middle East, as has also happened recently. At this juncture, though, any such possibility is based on nothing more than speculation.
Capitol Police, again as of this writing, are still investigating the incident, the scene, and events leading up to the arrest:
In an update just before 2 p.m., Capitol Police wrote on X, "Still investigating. Keep you all posted when the scene is clear. Again, the suspect is in custody. Thanks for your patience as we work to confirm all the information."
Several mass shooters in recent months have had a history of severe mental illness in common. Transgender shooter Audrey Hale's purported manifesto was leaked in part (it's still unclear why the public hasn't been shown the entire document) and reveals what could be called derangement directed at white Christian children, which certainly explains the choice of targets. The Lewiston, Maine shooter had a documented record of mental health issues as well, including a threat to "shoot up" a National Guard armory.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are indications that the suspect in Tuesday's incident may be suffering from some mental health issues as well.
Two Capitol Police officers told CNN that the person had been apprehended. A law enforcement source said the person was tased during the arrest and that law enforcement officials are checking cameras in the area to see where the individual came from.
Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger told reporters on Tuesday that the man will be charged with unlawfully carrying a firearm on Capitol grounds and could face additional counts.
"There is some indication that he may be dealing with some mental health issues,” Manger said. Two eyewitnesses told CNN the man was seen screaming before he was arrested.
No bodycam or other video was released showing the arrest or events leading up to the arrest, but a photograph taken on the scene shows the suspect looking distinctly disheveled.
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