The setting sun illuminates the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 2, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
(Washington, DC) – A suspected gunman was arrested outside the United States Capitol, prompting authorities to warn the public to avoid parts of the Capitol Complex as officers investigated what they described as a “potential security concern.”
“Our officers just arrested a person with what appears to be a gun near the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building. Please avoid the area,” Capitol Police said in an initial statement. Authorities later confirmed the incident occurred on the Lower West Terrace, a rarely used entrance area facing the National Mall. Maryland Avenue was temporarily closed between First and Third Streets, SW, as officers secured the scene and gathered evidence.
In a follow-up update, Capitol Police said there does not appear to be any additional suspects or ongoing threat. “Out of an abundance of caution, please continue to stay away from the area while we investigate and collect evidence. Again, at this time, one person is in custody,” the statement read.
Lawmakers are currently in recess, with most members of Congress away from Washington. However, the incident comes amid a sharp rise in threats against elected officials and the Capitol Complex. According to a recent Capitol Police threat assessment, the agency investigated 14,938 concerning incidents in 2025 — a significant increase from 9,474 in 2024.
The Capitol has already seen multiple attacks on members of Congress this year. Ilhan Omar was reportedly sprayed with an unknown substance from a syringe during a town hall event in Minneapolis, while Maxwell Frost was punched while attending the Sundance Film Festival. In both cases, suspects were later charged with assault.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the individual arrested outside the Capitol, and the investigation remains ongoing.
