U.S. Capitol Police Arrest Man Who Tried to Set Car on Fire Near U.S. Capitol Building during President-Elect Trump’s Visit
U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) have arrested a 35-year-old man from Virginia who attempted to set his car on fire near the U.S. Capitol building during President-elect Trump’s visit with Republican senators and his tribute to President Carter on Wednesday.
According to the USCP, just before 5:30 p.m., officers were alerted to a man who had parked on First Street, NW, near the Grant Memorial, and had lit a bag on fire on top of his vehicle. The bag extinguished on its own when officers arrived, and officials determined that the car was not a danger. The man was arrested for unlawful activities.
A separate incident also occurred earlier in the day, in which a man attempted to enter the Capitol Visitor Center with a machete in his bag. The 44-year-old man, identified as Mel J. Horne of Washington, D.C., was arrested for multiple counts of carrying a dangerous weapon and will be interviewed by investigators to determine his motive.
The USCP is investigating both incidents, which occurred during a time of heightened security measures around the U.S. Capitol building. According to USCP Chief J. Thomas Manger, “Twice today our officers stopped a man who could have been a danger to the Capitol Hill community. This vigilance is critical during this time of heightened security.”