POLICE: Gunman arrested outside U.S. Capitol building

Authorities arrested a man armed with a shotgun outside the U.S. Capitol building Tuesday afternoon, according to a statement by U.S. Capitol Police. The suspect parked a car near the U.S. Botanic Garden, exited with a shotgun, and sprinted several hundred yards to the steps at the western side of the Capitol, police said. According to U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan, officers challenged the suspect and ordered him to drop the weapon. He complied and no shots were fired. Congress was not in session at the time.

Who is he? The police have not yet released the suspect’s identity. Sullivan told reporters at a news conference that the suspect is an 18-year-old man who does not live in the area. He added that an investigation is in its early stages, and officials have not yet determined a motive for the incident. The suspect was wearing a tactical vest and armed with extra rounds, in addition to the loaded gun, according to Sullivan. Sullivan also said that the incident does not affect the already-planned heightened security posture for next week’s State of the Union address at the Capitol.