The U.S. Capitol Police reported on Tuesday that officers arrested a man who “smelled like fuel” and was found carrying a torch and a flare gun at the Capitol. According to authorities, the man, whose name has not yet been disclosed, was apprehended during the security screening at the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC).
Our officers just arrested a man who was stopped during our screening process at the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). The man smelled like fuel, had a torch & a flare gun.
The CVC is closed for tours for the day, while we investigate. We will provide more information when we can. pic.twitter.com/J5geNud1h2
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) November 5, 2024
Fox reports that the suspect also wrote a 25-page manifesto and stated plans to deliver it to Congress on Tuesday.
The arrest happened around 12:30 p.m. ET, congressional security sources and those familiar with the investigation told Fox News.
The sources said the suspect’s clothes reeked of fuel and his clothes were wet. Capitol Police picked up on this immediately and arrested him. His clothes were removed immediately, the sources added.
The sources confirmed the suspect had a blow torch, a flare gun and other flammable liquids with him.
One senior source told Fox News that investigators were not certain if the suspect intended to self-immolate himself.
The scene at the Capitol came just hours after National Guard units across several states and local law enforcement agencies went into high alert to prepare for potential violence from extremist groups dissatisfied with the election results, according to Axios.
To bolster security, election offices and polling sites nationwide have been enhancing protective measures. In both cities and rural areas, officials have installed concrete barriers, extra fencing, and secured doors to safeguard voters and election staff.
In key battleground states, which could determine the election outcome, election offices have gone further by adding bulletproof glass, panic buttons, and video surveillance to protect their staff. Poll workers have also undergone de-escalation training, equipping them to handle potential confrontations on Election Night. Since the 2020 election, election officials in numerous states have strengthened communication with local law enforcement to enable a faster response to any incidents.
Several National Guard units in states like Washington, Oregon, and Nevada were put on standby earlier in the week. The preparation for violence comes after ballot drop boxes were set on fire in areas across the country, damaging hundreds of ballots.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has mobilized National Guard cyber teams statewide to monitor cybersecurity threats, while Connecticut’s cyber units are assisting municipal governments with election-related cybersecurity.
In Iowa, Guard members are providing continuous threat monitoring to protect election infrastructure. In New Mexico’s Sandoval County, SWAT teams are on call due to prior incidents, including an alleged shooting orchestrated by Solomon Peña, a Republican candidate who lost his bid for state office and faced federal charges last year.
