A gunman was arrested at a barricade just north of the US Capitol building around noon on Monday. US Capitol Police vehicles surrounded a Ford Bronco SUV before the apprehension.
"We just arrested a man at the North Barricade of the US Capitol who had a firearm. Firearms are prohibited on Capitol Grounds," the police department said in a statement. The North Barricade will remain closed as the investigation continues, and authorities are working to determine the suspect's identity and motive for driving to the Capitol.
Reports indicated that a dog was also present in the vehicle. US Capitol Police officers and security personnel were observed surrounding the SUV as it approached the security checkpoint near Constitution Avenue.
Both the House and the Senate are currently in session following their July 4 holiday recess. This incident occurs amidst heightened security concerns, with the USCP reporting a nearly 60 percent increase in concerning statements, behaviors, and communications against lawmakers and Capitol personnel from 2024 to 2025. The Supreme Court has also requested increased funding for security, a matter scheduled for discussion by Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan on Capitol Hill on Tuesday.