U.S. Capitol Police are investigating after a man was reportedly arrested at the Capitol Visitor Center with a torch and a flare gun.
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More Details About The Man Reportedly Arrested With A Torch & Flare Gun
According to WUSA9, the incident occurred on Tuesday, November 5, around 12:30 p.m. At a press conference, USCP Chief Thomas Manger reportedly explained that a man entered the visitor center before being instructed by security to put his items through a checkpoint. To note, Chief Manger reportedly noted that the man was a white male.
“He stood there for a few seconds and then put his stuff on the conveyor belt. As soon as his coat and backpack went through the screening area, U.S. Capitol Police officers saw something that appeared to be a firearm as well as two bottles,” Chief Manger reportedly explained.
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As the officers stood nearby the man, they reportedly smelled “a faint odor of gasoline.” Then, once the man’s items were taken off the belt, the smell reportedly grew stronger.
“At that point, the suspect was detained. He was placed under arrest. We found a flare gun and a torch lighter in his jacket. There were also other articles in his backpack. He is now in custody,” Chief Manger added.
Furthermore, the USCP Chief noted that the incident is now a “very active investigation.”
According to the outlet, the man told officers he had papers he wanted to deliver to Congress. Additionally, although the man reportedly smelled of gasoline, “it did not appear he had doused himself.”
Lastly, Chief Manger reportedly asserted that there’s “no indication right now” that the man’s actions “had anything to do with the election.” NBC Washington reports that the man is a 28-year-old from Michigan whose name has not yet been released by police.
Social Media Reacts To The Incident At The Capitol Reportedly Involving A Torch
Social media users reacted to reports of the man’s arrest in The Shade Room’s comment section.
Instagram user @theserenajazmine wrote, “💀bye”
A Man Lit Himself On Fire Outside Of A Courthouse In April
Currently, the intentions of the individual currently in custody at the capitol remain unclear. Similarly, earlier this year, another individual initially puzzled authorities when he lit himself on fire outside of a courthouse. As The Shade Room previously reported, the incident occurred on April 19, and the man set himself on fire outside of the courthouse where Donald Trump was facing a hush money trial.
According to ABC News, the man was later identified as Maxwell Azzarello. Additionally, authorities reportedly noted Azzarello as a “conspiracy theorist” who threw “propaganda-based” pamphlets before setting himself ablaze.
The man ultimately passed away from his injuries.
