An armed man was seized outside the US Capitol building on Monday after officers swarmed his Ford Bronco.
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US Capitol Police arrested a man at the Capitol's north barricade who they said had a firearm, which is prohibited on Capitol grounds.
Whether the armed man had intent to attack the US Capitol or the Congress members within the building is unknown. Either way, US Capitol police weren't willing to wait around and find out.
"We just arrested a man at the North Barricade of the U.S. Capitol who had a firearm. Firearms are prohibited on Capitol Grounds. The North Barricade will be closed while the USCP investigates," Capitol Police said in a statement to PEOPLE. "Our investigators are working to learn more about the suspect and why he drove to the U.S. Capitol."
CNN captured video of the man being taken into custody. Footage shows six officers surrounding an SUV, two of whom have their guns drawn and pointed at the driver. The armed man is shown exiting the vehicle with his hands above his head.
The man walks backward away from his car, and officers lower their weapons. Police then handcuffed the man as more officers arrived, the cable news outlet reported.
Capitol Police said the north barricade would be closed while they investigate. Congress members and other personnel were advised to avoid the area.
US Capitol Continues to Attract Gunman
In recent years, the US Capitol has had more than a few bizarre cases involving gunmen.
Famously, the US Capitol was invaded on Jan. 6, 2021, by a crowd attempting to stop a joint session of Congress from certifying the electoral votes of the 2020 presidential election. Four people died in the crowd during the riot.
More recently, a teenager was arrested in February after allegedly rushing the US Capitol with a loaded shotgun.
Officials alleged the suspect, identified as Carter Camacho of Georgia, had "multiple rounds of ammunition and a tactical style vest."
"USCP officers found the suspect's SUV in front of the U.S. Botanic Garden on Maryland Avenue, SW," US Capitol police said in a statement. "A gas mask and helmet were spotted inside the vehicle."
"Thanks to the quick actions of the officers, no one was hurt," authorities said.
