ByROSS IBBETSON, ASSOCIATE EDITORandJON MICHAEL RAASCH, US POLITICAL REPORTER
Published:12:43 EST, 17 February 2026|Updated:14:09 EST, 17 February 2026
A suspected gunman has been arrested outside the USCapitol.
'Our officers just arrested a person with what appears to be a gun near the West Front of the US Capitol Building. Please avoid the area,' US Capitol Police (USCP) said in a statement.
Cops are continuing to investigate a 'potential security concern' on the Lower West Terrace of the building.
'Staff and other personnel are directed to AVOID THIS AREA until further notice,' the statement added.
MarylandAvenue was momentarily closed between First and Third Streets, SW.
The Lower West Terrace is a hardly ever utilized space on the Capitol's entrance facing the National Mall.
Images from the scene showed a number of officers standing near the Lower West Terrace with police tape up as authorities investigated.
Capitol Police has said that there are no other suspects at this time.
Source: Drudge Report
