Michigan man arrested on Capitol Hill ‘smelled like fuel’; visitor center closed: USCP

WASHINGTON (7News) — A man arrested on Capitol Hill on Tuesday ‘smelled like fuel’, was carrying flammable materials at the time and was likely traveling from out of state to deliver supplies to members of Congress, US Capitol Police said Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities said the man was stopped while being scanned at the entrance to the visitor center located beneath the U.S. Capitol and near the Supreme Court building. Capitol Police said they found a flare gun, a lighter, a torch lighter and two bottles of “accelerator” on him, one of which had found its way into the man’s backpack and clothing.

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This all happened around 12:20 a.m. after police said they saw the man wearing heavy clothing, slowly walking towards the building and frequently turning his head from side to side. Police confronted the man and asked him to put his backpack and jacket on the sieve conveyor belt.

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

USCP Investigators said they tracked the suspect’s previous movements and located his vehicle at Northeast 9th and Maryland Avenue. Authorities said the man’s vehicle was taken away and the scene was cleared.

Although visitors were at the visitor center at the time of the incident, all tours were closed for the day due to police investigation. Police said visitors inside were not in immediate danger and were not notified.

It is unclear whether the man planned to set fire to himself or the items in his bag, but the investigation is ongoing. Investigators also said they were reviewing Olson’s social media posts.

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