An 18-year-old man from Georgia was taken into custody at the U.S. Capitol after being found inside the building wearing a tactical vest and carrying a loaded shotgun, law enforcement officials confirmed.
The arrest occurred when security personnel spotted the young man inside the Capitol complex and quickly moved to detain him. Officers discovered the loaded firearm and military-style protective gear as they took him into custody without further incident.
Authorities charged the suspect with unlawful possession of a firearm in a restricted federal building and related offenses. He is currently held pending further legal proceedings in federal court.
Security officials say no shots were fired and no injuries were reported during the incident. The Capitol was secured swiftly after the suspect’s arrest, and normal operations resumed once the area was cleared.
Investigators are reviewing how the individual obtained access to the Capitol with the weapon and tactical vest. They also continue to assess whether any additional charges will be pursued.
The arrest highlights ongoing challenges federal authorities face in protecting key government buildings from armed individuals, particularly in an era of heightened national security concerns.