Man with loaded shotgun arrested after running towards US Capitol, police say

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - A man has been taken into custody after running towards the US Capitol with a loaded shotgun, police said Tuesday.

US Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan said the man, who has not been publicly identified, exited a white Mercedes-Benz SUV shortly after noon local time (1700GMT) and was quickly confronted by officers on the scene as he was "running towards the Capitol." Officers ordered him to drop the gun, and he complied.

"He laid down the weapon and then laid down on the ground and was taken into custody by our US Capitol Police officers," said Sullivan. "Who knows what would have happened if we didn't have officers here standing guard like they do every single day."

Sullivan said the suspect was wearing a tactical vest and tactical gloves, and officers discovered a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask in his vehicle. Additional rounds were also found on his person after officers arrested him.

Authorities are still seeking to determine a motive, including whether the suspect intended to target members of Congress. The suspect, who is an 18-year-old, was not known to authorities prior to the incident, Sullivan said.