Man at US Capitol Visitor Center With a "Fuel Smell," a Torch, and a Flare Gun Arrested by Capitol Police

Tensions are high nationwide following the election on Tuesday, as Americans reel from the results of the 2024 presidential election. One such confused adult took out his frustration at the White House where he attempted to set something on fire.

A man was apprehended by the U.S. Capitol Police. According to authorities, the man arrived at the Washington, D.C., visitor center on Election Day with the odor of gasoline and a number of potential incendiary devices, as Yahoo News reported.

“Our officers just arrested a man who was stopped during our screening process at the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). The man smelled like fuel, had a torch and a flare gun,” the authorities shared on social media on Tuesday.

“The CVC is closed for tours for the day, while we investigate,” they continued. “We will provide more information when we can.”

Our officers just arrested a man who was stopped during our screening process at the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). The man smelled like fuel, had a torch & a flare gun.

The CVC is closed for tours for the day, while we investigate. We will provide more information when we can. pic.twitter.com/J5geNud1h2

— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) November 5, 2024

During a press conference that took place at First & East Capitol Street NE later on Tuesday, Chief J. Thomas Manger claimed that the individual in question had documents in his possession that he intended to deliver to Congress.

The incident took place at approximately 12:20 p.m. EST and is still under investigation. The police have located the man's vehicle.

“We believe it’s gasoline or some other accelerant,” Manger noted. He added that one of two containers discovered in the man’s backpack during the screening process appeared to be leaking, resulting in the officers being able to smell fuel.

Other Instances of Violence

Despite being unsuccessful, this is not the first evident self-immolation attempt in the capital of the United States. In October 2024, journalist Samuel Mena Jr. attempted to set himself on fire in protest of Palestine's treatment in the Israel-Gaza conflict. In February, Air Force serviceman Aaron Bushnell died at the age of 25 after setting himself on fire in front of the Israeli Embassy due to similar beliefs.

In April, a man in New York perished from self-immolation after lighting himself on fire outside of the hush money trial of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. This incident occurred on the opposite side of the political spectrum.

Additionally, In Michigan, a man was accused of posting a violent threat on Reddit, where he posted under the heading ‘ShootUpTrumpRally’ talking about a plan to kill former President Trump. Also in Michigan, a man was accused of threatening to kill a witness for the Jan. 6 committee.

In Georgia, there was a criminal complaint where a Poll worker was accused of threatening an election worker, and in Pennsylvania, an indictment came down when a man allegedly threatened to kill former President Biden and Hillary Clinton.