Security Incident at U.S. Capitol on Election Day Involving Suspicious Items and Arrest of Austin M. Olson

Police vehicle outside United States Capitol building.

A Michigan man carrying dangerous items was arrested at the U.S. Capitol on Election Day, potentially averting a serious incident.

At a Glance

  • Austin M. Olson was arrested at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center on Election Day
  • He was carrying a flare gun, torch lighter, fuel containers, and a manifesto
  • Capitol Police intercepted Olson, noting his suspicious behavior and clothing
  • The suspect faces multiple charges, including possession of prohibited weapons
  • The incident highlights the importance of maintaining strong security measures

Swift Action by Capitol Police Prevents Potential Threat

On Election Day, Capitol Police demonstrated their crucial role in safeguarding American democracy when they apprehended Austin M. Olson, a Michigan resident who attempted to enter the U.S. Capitol carrying potentially dangerous materials. The incident occurred just after noon at the Capitol Visitor Center, where officers noted Olson’s suspicious behavior and clothing.

Officers intercepted Olson at the visitor entrance, where they discovered he was carrying multiple threatening items, including a flare gun, fuel containers, and a torch lighter. A strong fuel odor emanating from Olson’s clothing suggested pre-planned actions, raising immediate concerns among security personnel.

Manifesto and Security Response

In addition to the dangerous items, authorities found a manifesto and a letter addressed to Congress regarding Middle Eastern issues in Olson’s possession. This discovery prompted a comprehensive security response, including the deployment of K9 units and hazmat teams to thoroughly investigate the situation.

As a precautionary measure, the Capitol Visitor Center was temporarily closed, and public tours were halted for the day. Law enforcement’s swift action prevented any disruption to Election Day proceedings, ensuring the safety of both visitors and staff at the Capitol.

Charges and Ongoing Investigation

Olson now faces multiple charges, including possession of prohibited weapons and disorderly conduct. Investigators are working to determine his motives and have revealed that he arrived in Washington D.C. the day before the incident. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger praised the officers for their protective actions, emphasizing the potential severity of the situation had it not been intercepted.

“Capitol Division officers ordered the man to put his jacket and bag through the X-ray machine. USCP officers spotted items on the X-ray, which appeared suspicious. After a hand search, they recovered a flare gun, a torch lighter, and two bottles of fuel. The man also smelled like he doused part of his clothing with fuel.” said police.

Video footage shows Olson walking slowly and wearing heavier clothing than necessary for the warm weather, further raising suspicions among security personnel. The suspect’s vehicle was located and cleared by the K9 unit and Hazardous Incident Response Division, ensuring no additional threats were present.

Broader Election Day Security Concerns

While this incident at the Capitol was swiftly contained, it occurred against a backdrop of heightened security concerns nationwide. Multiple bomb threats were reported across various states, many linked to Russian-run email domains, causing some voting schedule disruptions. Additionally, prior to the election, incendiary devices were used to set fire to ballot boxes in Oregon and Washington State, with no arrests made in those cases.

“There’s no indication right now that it had anything to do with the election.” Manger said.

Despite these challenges, Election Day passed without major incidents, a testament to the preparedness and vigilance of law enforcement agencies across the country. The incident at the Capitol serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing importance of maintaining strong security measures at our nation’s most important institutions, especially during critical moments like elections.

Sources:

  1. Michigan man arrested for allegedly trying to get into U.S. Capitol with flare gun, torch lighter
  2. Man arrested at Capitol smelling like fuel on Election Day had weapon, manifesto
  3. On Election Day, He Headed to the Capitol With a Manifesto and a Torch

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