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Armed Teen Arrested Near U.S. Capitol, Motive Unknown

2/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

An 18-year-old approached the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Tuesday, prompting U.S. Capitol Police to respond.
Officers ordered him to drop the weapon, and he complied, resulting in his arrest.
The suspect wore a tactical vest and had multiple rounds of ammunition, with a helmet and gas mask found in his nearby white Mercedes SUV.
Authorities reported no ongoing threat or additional suspects, and the motive remains unclear.
The suspect does not reside in the area, and further information is being sought by 7News.

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Story summary

An 18-year-old approached the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun on Tuesday, prompting U.S. Capitol Police to respond.
Officers ordered him to drop the weapon, and he complied, resulting in his arrest.
The suspect wore a tactical vest and had multiple rounds of ammunition, with a helmet and gas mask found in his nearby white Mercedes SUV.
Authorities reported no ongoing threat or additional suspects, and the motive remains unclear.
The suspect does not reside in the area, and further information is being sought by 7News.