Man with blowtorch, manifesto arrested at Capitol visitor center: officials
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Capitol Police arrested a man who smelled like fuel and was carrying a torch and flare gun at the Capitol Visitor Center in D.C.
According to officers, the man was stopped during their screening process at the Capitol Visitor Center. Officers say the center is closed for tours for the day, while the investigation continues.
The suspect has been described as an adult white man in his late 20s. Officers tracked the suspect's earlier movements and located his vehicle at 9th and Maryland Avenue, NE.
Senior congressional correspondent for FOX News Chad Pergram reports the suspect had a 25-page manifesto and drove all night from Michigan to the Capitol.
Fox is told that US Capitol Police arrested a suspect at the screening center of the Capitol Visitor’s Center around noon, according to Congressional security sources.
Officials say his clothes reeked of fuel and his clothes were wet. Capitol Police picked up on this immediately and arrested him. The suspect's clothing was removed immediately. He also had a blow torch, a flare gun, and other flammable liquids with him in a backpack.
One senior source told Fox they were not certain if the suspect intended to self-immolate himself. Fox is also told he had anti-government and anti-Israel statements in his manifesto. Fox is told this suspect appears to be acting alone and was not on the USCP radar.
According to officials, it is unclear at this point what the suspects' intentions were.
Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact police.
This remains an ongoing investigation. Stay with FOX 5 DC for more information and updates.