The U.S. Capitol Police detained an individual who appeared to be carrying a firearm near the West Front entrance on Tuesday and asked the public to avoid the area. USCP later said there were no other known suspects and that one person was in custody while officers collected evidence. Maryland Avenue was temporarily closed during the investigation; authorities have not released the suspect's identity. The arrest follows the recent high-profile sentencing of Ryan Routh in an attempted-assassination case related to the 2024 election.
Capitol Police Arrest Individual With Apparent Firearm Near West Front; Area Briefly Closed
U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) detained an individual who appeared to be carrying a firearm near the West Front entrance of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, authorities said.
The USCP first alerted congressional offices and posted a notice on X (formerly Twitter):
“Our officers just arrested a person with what appears to be a gun near the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building. Please avoid the area. We will provide more information when new information is confirmed.”
About 20 minutes later, the department provided an update:
“At this time, there does not appear to be any other suspects or ongoing threat. Out of an abundance of caution, please continue to stay away from the area while we investigate and collect evidence. Again, at this time, one person is in custody.”
The USCP reminded the public that firearms and certain other items — including explosives and drones — are prohibited on Capitol Grounds. The department’s website notes that even firearms legally registered in another state or in the District of Columbia may not be brought onto Capitol property.
Veteran congressional reporter Jamie Dupree posted a photograph on X showing officers and yellow caution tape at the scene, writing: “View from the Capitol where police arrested a man with a gun.”
The arrest occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time. Authorities have not released identifying details about the person taken into custody. Fox 5 Washington reported that Maryland Avenue was temporarily closed between First and Third Streets while officers examined the area and collected evidence.
The incident comes roughly two weeks after Ryan Routh was sentenced to life in prison for an attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in a case connected to events surrounding the 2024 election.
USCP said it will provide additional information as it is confirmed.
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