A Capitol Police officer sits outside the US Capitol as a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security continues on February 17, 2026 in Washington, DC, US. | Photo credit: Reuters
An 18-year-old man ran toward the US Capitol with a loaded shotgun Tuesday (Feb. 17, 2026), police arrested him without incident, US Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan said.
The motive of the man, who was wearing a tactical vest and tactical gloves, was not immediately known. A Kevlar helmet and gas mask were also found in his vehicle, police said.
Mr Sullivan said the man arrived in the afternoon in a white Mercedes SUV and parked near the Capitol, before getting out and running towards the US Congress building.
Police challenged the man and ordered him to drop the weapon, which he did, Mr. Sullivan told reporters.
The incident comes three months after a National Guard member was killed and another wounded in a shooting near the White House.
President Donald Trump will deliver the State of the Union address at the Capitol next week.
“We take the State of the Union very, very seriously and this will not change our posture. We will prepare for State of the Union night,” Mr Sullivan said.
Published – February 18, 2026 02:33 am IST
