US Capitol Building Police Response: Man With Gun Arrested
United States Capitol Police arrested a man outside the U.S. Capitol Building Monday, who allegedly drove up to the barricade with a firearm.
In a statement to Newsweek, USCP said the suspect was arrested at the North Barricade, with photos from the scene showing a police cordon and multiple emergency vehicles surrounding a gray Ford Bronco.
“Firearms are prohibited on Capitol Grounds,” a spokesperson said. “The North Barricade will be closed while the USCP investigates. Our investigators are working to learn more about the suspect and why he drove to the U.S. Capitol.”
What Are the Firearms Rules on Capitol Grounds?
Federal law and Capitol Police regulations impose some of the strictest weapons restrictions in the country around the U.S. Capitol complex. Under federal law, individuals generally may not carry or have readily accessible a firearm, dangerous weapon, explosive, or incendiary device on Capitol Grounds or inside Capitol buildings unless specifically authorized.
The U.S. Capitol Police has repeatedly emphasized that the prohibition applies regardless of whether a person legally possesses a firearm elsewhere.
In a 2025 update to its prohibited-items policy, the department said firearms and ammunition are “strictly prohibited anywhere on Capitol Grounds and within the Congressional Buildings,” including for visitors who may hold firearm permits from another jurisdiction. The agency warned that violations can result in arrest, fines, imprisonment and confiscation of the weapon.
The restrictions are part of a broader security framework that has remained under heightened scrutiny since the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, with lawmakers and security officials continuing to weigh threats against Congress, staff and visitors
Recent Firearms Incidents Around the Capitol
Monday’s arrest is the latest in a string of weapons-related incidents that have prompted security concerns on Capitol Hill.
In February 2026, federal prosecutors charged an 18-year-old Georgia man after authorities said he ran toward the Capitol carrying a loaded shotgun while wearing tactical-style gear. According to the Justice Department, Capitol Police officers stopped him on Capitol grounds and recovered a shotgun loaded with eight rounds along with additional ammunition. The suspect reportedly told officers he had come to speak with a member of Congress.
Several months earlier, in July 2025, Capitol Police arrested a 23-year-old Oregon man after officers investigating a suspicious vehicle near the Capitol recovered what authorities described as a large cache of weapons, including a rifle, handgun, ammunition, multiple knives, axes, a sword and a bow and arrow. Police said they found the man near the Capitol’s North Barricade before searching the vehicle.
Capitol security procedures also came under scrutiny in early 2025 after a series of separate incidents involving firearms. Reports at the time noted the arrest of a visitor who allegedly entered the Capitol complex with a concealed handgun and the arrest of a congressional staffer after officers discovered a loaded firearm while screening bags at a House office building entrance. Those incidents prompted internal reviews and renewed calls from lawmakers for tighter security measures.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 9:18 AM.