U.S. Capitol Police arrested a man armed with an AR-15 rifle in the vicinity of the Capitol complex on Tuesday afternoon. The suspect was taken into custody on the Senate side of the Capitol following a critical emergency call.
“USCP Officers just arrested a man with a gun in the park across from Union Station. 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,” the U.S. Capitol Police announced on X.
USCP Officers just arrested a man with a gun in the park across from Union Station. 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.
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) November 7, 2023
The suspect, identified as a black male clad in a bright orange tracksuit, was reportedly tasered following a standoff with an officer before he was detained. His motives remain yet unclear. Witnesses at the scene captured video footage of the suspect being taken away in an ambulance.
WATCH:
#BREAKING: A male suspect has been taken into custody with an AR-15 outside the U.S. Capitol⁰⁰#Washington | #DC ⁰
U.S. Capitol Police responded to an emergency call concerning a man with an AR-15 outside the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. The individual carrying the AR-15… pic.twitter.com/smMaRJmj2H— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 7, 2023
#UPDATE: Here is a clear photo of the Male suspect that was carrying the weapon outside the US Capitol near the senate building pic.twitter.com/Uh53xWET6F
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 7, 2023
“We just searched the area in the park that we secured. Out of an abundance of caution, we going to search the suspect’s belongings. Again, the suspect is in custody. Investigation ongoing,” the U.S Capitol Police wrote.
“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,” it added.
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.
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) November 7, 2023
Adding to the tense situation, Capitol Police also responded to a ‘suspicious package’ spotted in the upper Senate park area.
Daily Mail reported:
The U.S. Capitol Police also said it is responding to a ‘suspicious package’ in the upper Senate park area.
Staff and pedestrians were advised to avoid the area until more information is known.
The police activity is around Columbus Circle, which is between the Capitol and Union Station.
It is less than a half mile walk from Union Station to the Senate side of the Capitol complex.
Around 1:00 p.m. ET, an all-clear was issued and doors to the Senate complex were re-opened.
Members of Congress are in the Capitol today and working from their office buildings on either side of the complex.