Federal authorities apprehended an 18-year-old man from Georgia inside the U.S. Capitol after he was found carrying a loaded shotgun and wearing tactical equipment, officials confirmed.
Security personnel encountered the young man inside the landmark building and took him into custody without violence. At the time of the arrest, he was equipped with a shotgun that was loaded and outfitted in a tactical vest, raising immediate concerns among law enforcement about his intentions.
The suspect was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm in a restricted federal facility, along with other federal offenses tied to bringing a weapon into the Capitol. He is being held as the case moves forward through the federal court system.
There were no reported injuries or exchange of gunfire during the incident, and the Capitol was secured quickly once the suspect was detained. Normal operations resumed after thorough screening and clearance of the area.
Officials are investigating how the man accessed the Capitol with the weapon and tactical gear, and whether any additional charges will be filed as part of the ongoing probe.
The arrest highlights ongoing security challenges at high-profile government sites and reaffirms strict prohibitions against weapons and unauthorized tactical equipment inside federal buildings.