Teenager arrested at US capitol after attempt to enter with gun

A teenager was arrested Wednesday after approaching the West Wing area of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., armed with a gun, officials said.
The incident prompted an immediate security response from Capitol Police. According to authorities, the young man was seen walking toward the Capitol with a firearm in hand and attempted to enter the grounds.
Security officers quickly surrounded him and ordered him to drop the weapon.
The suspect complied, placing the gun on the ground and lying face down before being taken into custody without further incident.
Law enforcement later searched the suspect’s vehicle and another car parked nearby. Officers recovered additional items, including what they described as explosives, a gas mask and a helmet.
Police have not released the identity of the teenager or provided details on his motive for approaching the Capitol with a weapon.
The U.S. Capitol complex remains a highly secure area, and authorities did not report any injuries related to the incident.
An investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the case.
Officials emphasised that swift action by security forces helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation in one of the nation’s most sensitive government sites.