By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/man-arrested-when-trying-to-enter-u-s-capitol-with-a-torch-and-flare-gun-police-say Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Man arrested when trying to enter U.S. Capitol with a torch and flare gun, police say Politics Nov 5, 2024 2:10 PM EDT U.S. Capitol Police say a man was stopped Tuesday during a security screening at the Capitol Visitor Center. Authorities say he smelled of fuel and was carrying the flare gun and torch. Officials have canceled public tours of the Capitol for the remainder of the day. Police say they are still investigating. The arrest comes as authorities are on heightened alert for security issues around the nation’s capital and have increased patrols in areas downtown and near the White House around Election Day. Nearly four years ago, a mob of Donald Trump’s supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Find more of our Vote 2024 coverage INTERACTIVE: 2024 Electoral College Map SERIES: A look at Donald Trump and Kamala Harris’ campaign pledges READ MORE: Don’t fall for these false claims as you await the 2024 election results WATCH: Pivotal races that will determine the balance of power in Congress READ MORE: When polls close on Election Day in these 7 battleground states WATCH: What early voting data signals about this year’s election LIVE BLOG: Election 2024 fact checks WATCH: How election workers are fighting back against bad actors trying to undermine the process A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
U.S. Capitol Police say a man was stopped Tuesday during a security screening at the Capitol Visitor Center. Authorities say he smelled of fuel and was carrying the flare gun and torch. Officials have canceled public tours of the Capitol for the remainder of the day. Police say they are still investigating. The arrest comes as authorities are on heightened alert for security issues around the nation’s capital and have increased patrols in areas downtown and near the White House around Election Day. Nearly four years ago, a mob of Donald Trump’s supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Find more of our Vote 2024 coverage INTERACTIVE: 2024 Electoral College Map SERIES: A look at Donald Trump and Kamala Harris’ campaign pledges READ MORE: Don’t fall for these false claims as you await the 2024 election results WATCH: Pivotal races that will determine the balance of power in Congress READ MORE: When polls close on Election Day in these 7 battleground states WATCH: What early voting data signals about this year’s election LIVE BLOG: Election 2024 fact checks WATCH: How election workers are fighting back against bad actors trying to undermine the process A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now