Capitol Police Arrest Man with Molotov Cocktails Attempting to Target Republican Lawmakers
On Tuesday evening, Capitol Police arrested a 33-year-old man who was found to be in possession of Molotov cocktails and had attempted to target several Republican lawmakers, including Senators Ron Johnson, Pete Hegseth, and Senator Raphael Warnock’s communications director, Rachel Bessent.
According to police reports, the man was spotted walking towards the Capitol Building around 10:30pm, carrying a backpack and two Molotov cocktails. Authorities quickly apprehended the individual and searched his belongings, discovering several more explosive devices and a manifesto outlining his alleged motives.
It is unclear what specifically motivated the individual to attempt to harm the lawmakers, but officials have described the incident as a “suspicious occurrence” and an “attempt to commit a criminal act.”
All three lawmakers affected by the attempted attack have condemned the incident, with Senator Johnson stating that he is “appalled and grateful that the suspect was apprehended before any harm was done.” Senator Hegseth added that he is “heartened by the swift response of the Capitol Police” and grateful that no one was injured.
The FBI and Capitol Police are currently investigating the incident, with no further details released at this time. The individual arrested remains in custody, pending charges related to the attempted attack.
