A man from Virginia was arrested on Wednesday on Capitol Hill after trying to set his car on fire while President-elect Donald Trump was in the area. The dramatic incident unfolded as Mr. Trump was visiting Congress to honor the late President Jimmy Carter and meet with Republican lawmakers to discuss his plans for when he takes office.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger shared his thoughts on the situation, emphasizing the importance of staying alert during times of heightened security. “Our officers stopped a man who could have been a danger to the Capitol Hill community,” he said.
The event happened just before 5:30 p.m. on First Street Northwest, near the Grant Memorial. Witnesses reported seeing a car that had been spray-painted, with the man setting a bag on fire and placing it on top of the vehicle.
Fortunately, when officers arrived, the fire had already burned out, and they managed to arrest the man quickly and without any trouble. Although the man’s name hasn’t been released yet, authorities acted swiftly to ensure everyone’s safety.
By around 7 p.m., officials confirmed that the car did not pose any further risk, even though accelerants were found in the bag the man had set on fire. The situation was under control, but it served as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance in such a high-profile area.