Nothing says "Monday morning" quite like someone allegedly rolling up to the United States Capitol with a firearm and finding out that the security apparatus there is, in fact, not decorative.
U.S. Capitol Police arrested a man with a gun at the North Barricade of the Capitol Building on Monday morning, as Trending Politics reported. The arrest prompted authorities to shut down the area while officers investigated, and staffers received an alert telling them to stay away from the North Barricade until further notice. Capitol Police said the area would remain closed as the investigation continued.
Details about the suspect, the type of firearm, and what he was allegedly doing near the barricade were not immediately released. So we are left to wonder what exactly a person's game plan is when they drive to one of the most surveilled and heavily fortified locations in the entire Western Hemisphere while packing heat. The building is surrounded by more cameras, barriers, and armed officers than a rap mogul's birthday party. Whatever this gentleman's thought process was, it did not end the way he drew it up.
The incident unfolded just before noon, which means this guy didn't even have the cover of darkness working in his favor. Broad daylight. At the Capitol. With a gun. Bold strategy.
Authorities said they would provide additional updates when more information becomes available. Capitol Police have not said whether the man made any threats or whether lawmakers were believed to be in danger at any point during the incident.
The arrest comes as law enforcement agencies remain on high alert around federal buildings following years of security scares and threats targeting public officials. If you have been paying even the slightest bit of attention to the news over the past several years, you know that Capitol security is not exactly in a relaxed posture these days. They are about as chill as a cat at a dog park.
Thankfully, no violence broke out and nobody was hurt, which is obviously the most important part of this story. The second most important part is that we apparently still need to remind people that showing up armed to the seat of Congress is not going to go well for you. The barricade is there for a reason. The officers are there for a reason. And now this individual is in custody, which is also for a reason.
Police are reportedly still trying to determine why the man drove to the Capitol in the first place. That investigation should be fascinating reading whenever it becomes public.
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