Armed man arrested after running toward Capitol, police say

Nina Heller, CQ-Roll Call on Feb 17, 2026

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WASHINGTON — A man was arrested Tuesday after running toward the Capitol with a loaded shotgun, Capitol Police said.

The suspect, whose name had not been released as of Tuesday afternoon, was confronted by Capitol Police officers after parking a white Mercedes-Benz SUV on the 100 block of Maryland Avenue Southwest and exiting his vehicle holding a shotgun near the West Front, Chief Michael Sullivan said at a news conference.

“As he approached the Capitol, Capitol Police officers observed this individual, challenged him and ordered him to drop the weapon and get on the ground, which he did comply with. He was then taken into custody,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the suspect is 18 years old, does not live in the area, was wearing a tactical vest and tactical gloves, and had additional rounds of ammunition. He made it to the base of the steps leading to the Capitol before being apprehended, and officers later found a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask in the car, the chief said.

“I think it’s important to note that just a few months ago, we had an active shooter exercise right here on the West Front, virtually in the same spot. And we do those active shooter exercises every single month, and that’s why we do it,” he said.

Sullivan said the investigation was ongoing. The incident will not change the Capitol Police’s security posture ahead of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address to Congress next week, he said.