The US Capitol Police made an arrest on Wednesday after a man allegedly tried 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 arrived at the Capitol Building. Officers were alerted to a man who had parked in front of the memorial and set a bag on top of his vehicle ablaze, according to Capitol Police.
The bag extinguished on its own as officers quickly apprehended the man. Capitol Police’s Hazardous Incident Response Division later inspected the vehicle and confirmed that it posed no danger.
The vehicle, which had been spray-painted, contained accelerants inside the bag. The 35-year-old Virginia man behind the wheel was arrested for unlawful activities, although his motive remains unclear. Police have stated that there is no ongoing threat.
Earlier on the same day, Capitol Police arrested another individual, Mel J. Horne, for attempting to bring a machete and three knives into the US Capitol Visitor Center. The weapons were discovered during a routine scan at the entrance, leading to charges of carrying a dangerous weapon against Horne.
Despite the proximity in time, Capitol Police do not believe the two incidents are related. Chief J. Thomas Manger commended the vigilance of the officers in preventing potential harm to the Capitol Hill community.
As the nation prepares for the inauguration of the 47th president of the United States on January 20, security measures remain heightened. The incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a watchful eye during such times of increased security.
