Michigan man arrested on Capitol Hill 'smelled of fuel'; visitor center closed: USCP

WASHINGTON (7News) — A man arrested on Capitol Hill on Tuesday reportedly “smelled of fuel,” was carrying flammable items at the time and likely traveled from abroad to deliver items to members of Congress, police said from the U.S. Capitol Tuesday afternoon.

Officials said the man was stopped while being screened at the entrance to the visitors center, located beneath the U.S. Capitol and near the Supreme Court building. On him, Capitol Police said they found a flare gun, a lighter, a torch lighter and two bottles of “accelerator,” one of which leaked onto the man’s book bag and clothing.

This all happened around 12:20 p.m. after police said they saw the man, who was wearing heavy clothing, slowly walking toward the building and jerking his head back and forth frequently. Police confronted the man and asked him to put his book bag and jacket on the screening belt.

After finding the items, the man, later identified as 29-year-old Austin Olson of Michigan, reportedly complied with police when he was arrested and told officers he had papers he wanted to “turn over to Congress.” , according to USCP. ChefThomas Manger.

USCP investigators said they tracked the suspect’s previous movements and located his vehicle at 9th and Maryland Avenue, Northeast. The man’s vehicle has been impounded and the crash scene has been cleared, officials said.

All tours are closed that day due to police investigation, although there were people in the visitor center at the time of the incident. Police said the visitors inside were not in immediate danger and had not been notified.

It is unclear whether the man intended to light himself or set fire to items in his book bag, but an investigation is underway. Investigators say they are also searching Olson’s social media posts.

Olsen has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, unlawful activity and disorderly conduct.