A Capitol police officer sits outdoors the U.S. Capitol because the partial shutdown of the Division of Homeland Safety continues, in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 17, 2026.
| Photograph Credit score: Reuters
An 18-year-old man ran towards the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) earlier than police arrested him with out incident, stated U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan.
The motive of the person, who police stated was sporting a tactical vest and tactical gloves, was not instantly recognized. He additionally had a Kevlar helmet and a fuel masks in his automobile, police stated.
Mr. Sullivan stated the person arrived in a white Mercedes SUV simply after midday and parked close to the Capitol, earlier than getting out and working towards the constructing that homes the U.S. Congress.
Police challenged the person and ordered him to drop the weapon, which he did, Mr. Sullivan instructed reporters.
The incident befell much less than three months after a Nationwide Guard member was killed and one other wounded in an ambush capturing close to the White Home.
President Donald Trump is because of ship the State of the Union tackle on the Capitol subsequent week.
“We take the State of the Union very, very critically, and this doesn’t change our posture. We shall be ready on State of the Union night time,” Mr. Sullivan stated.
Printed – February 18, 2026 02:33 am IST