The US Capitol Police Arrest a Man Near Capitol as President-Elect Donald Trump Visits
The US Capitol Police arrested a man on Wednesday after he allegedly attempted to set his car on fire near the Capitol while President-elect Donald Trump was visiting Republican lawmakers and paying his respects to late former President Jimmy Carter.
The incident took place in front of the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial just before 5:30 p.m. as Trump was arriving at the Capitol Building.
Capitol Police officers were alerted to a man who had parked in front of the memorial and set a bag on top of his vehicle ablaze.
The bag extinguished on its own as officers quickly approached the car and apprehended the man.
The Hazardous Incident Response Division of the Capitol Police inspected the vehicle and confirmed it was not a danger by 7 p.m.
Authorities found that the car had been spray-painted and accelerants were discovered inside the bag.
The 35-year-old Virginia man driving the car was arrested for unlawful activities according to Capitol Police.
Although the man’s motive has not been determined, police stated that there was no ongoing threat.
According to Daily Wire, a grounds crew worker first spotted the man trying to light something on fire in his car, claiming to have napalm.
Earlier in the day, Capitol Police arrested another individual for attempting to bring a machete and three knives into the US Capitol Visitor Center.
The police do not believe the two incidents are connected.
Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger stated, “Twice today our officers stopped a man who could have been a danger to the Capitol Hill community. This vigilance is critical during this time of heightened security.”
President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Jan. 20.
