Washington (Agencies)

US police thwarted an armed attack on the US Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

Police arrested an 18-year-old man after he ran from his car toward the west side of the Capitol building armed with a loaded rifle. According to the Egyptian news website Youm7, citing the Middle East News Agency, the incident was reported by the Capitol Police Chief, who added the headline: "What did the Capitol Police Chief reveal about the incident?"

At a press conference in Washington following the arrest, Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan said the unidentified man stopped a car near the building, got out, and ran several hundred feet toward it before being intercepted by officers who ordered him to lie on the ground.

Sullivan added that the gunman was wearing a vest and protective gloves and had a helmet and gas mask in the car. He explained that the rifle was loaded and that the man had additional ammunition.

Sullivan stated that the motive behind the incident is under investigation, including whether members of Congress were the target. Congress is not currently in session. Sullivan noted that police have video footage but asked the public to provide any other video they may have related to the incident.

He confirmed that the young man was not known to authorities and was not a resident of the area, explaining that the car was not registered in the suspect's name, who has several residential addresses.