U.S. Capitol Police arrested an 18-year-old man armed with a shotgun after he ran toward the west side of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The suspect parked a Mercedes SUV near the Capitol grounds and approached the building wearing a tactical vest and gloves before officers intercepted him.

Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan said the man had a loaded shotgun and additional ammunition, plus a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in his vehicle. The incident occurred while Congress is not in session, and authorities are investigating whether members of Congress were the intended target. The suspect is not from the area and was not previously known to law enforcement.

Police had conducted active shooter drills in almost the exact location just months earlier. The department is seeking public video footage of the incident. Chief Sullivan emphasized the importance of having officers present, noting the potential consequences if the response had been delayed.