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Man Smelling of Fuel, Carrying Torch and Accelerants, Arrested at Capitol Visitor Center on Election Day

Nov 5, 2024, 07:54 PM

U.S. Capitol Police arrested a man at the Capitol Visitor Center on Tuesday around 12:30 p.m. ET after he was found carrying a torch and a flare gun and smelled like fuel. The man was stopped during the routine screening process when officers noticed the odor of fuel and that his clothing was wet. The suspect hesitated during the screening, prompting further investigation. Officers discovered he possessed potentially dangerous items, including a flare gun, a torch lighter, a lighter, and two bottles containing a suspected accelerant, possibly gasoline. One of the bottles was leaking, causing the strong smell. The Capitol Visitor Center was closed for tours for the remainder of the day while the investigation continued. The man was reportedly carrying papers he intended to deliver to Congress, described by authorities as a 25-page manifesto containing anti-government and anti-Israel statements. Police stated that the suspect was compliant during the arrest and that there is no indication at this time that the incident was related to Election Day activities. U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger provided updates, noting that the suspect appeared to be from outside the Washington, D.C., area, possibly from Michigan. The investigation is ongoing.