Armed man arrested at US Capitol barricade as police probe why he drove onto restricted grounds

An armed man was arrested Monday after driving to a security barricade outside the U.S. Capitol, prompting a police investigation into why he came to the heavily protected complex and temporarily shutting down part of the Capitol grounds.

U.S. Capitol Police said officers arrested the man at the North Barricade after discovering he had a firearm.

Firearms are prohibited on Capitol Grounds, and authorities immediately closed the area while investigators processed the scene.

“Our investigators are working to learn more about the suspect and why he drove to the U.S. Capitol,” Capitol Police said in a statement.

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Authorities have not identified the suspect or announced any charges.

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Police remained at the scene Monday afternoon, where officers were seen removing items from a Ford Bronco parked diagonally in front of the barricade.

From a distance, the items appeared to include water bottles and other belongings.

Fox News obtained video showing the suspect’s Ford Bronco being towed away from the North Barricade following the arrest. 

The SUV, which displayed Florida license plates, was removed from the scene by authorities as investigators continued processing evidence and working to determine why the armed man drove to the U.S. Capitol.

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A dog that had been inside the vehicle was removed safely and taken away in an SPCA vehicle.

The North Barricade remained closed as the investigation continued.

Fox News’ Dan Scully, Chad Pergram, and Kelly Phares contributed to this report.