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Journalist Ryan Saavedra shed more light on the event in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Saavedra wrote, “A grounds crew worker saw him trying to light something on fire in his car & when asked what he was doing he allegedly said: ‘I have napalm and I’m trying to light it on fire.’”
Capitol Police later confirmed that accelerants were found in the suspect’s bag, and the vehicle itself had been spray-painted. Despite the alarming nature of the incident, the department’s Hazardous Incident Response Division determined that the vehicle posed no further danger to the public.
In a statement addressing the incident, U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger praised the vigilance of his officers.
“Twice today our officers stopped a man who could have been a danger to the Capitol Hill community,” Manger said. “This vigilance is critical during this time of heightened security.”
Earlier in the day, another arrest was made when a man tried to bring a machete and knives into the Capitol Visitor Center. The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Mel J. Horne of Washington, D.C., was detained during a routine bag screening. He now faces multiple charges for Carrying a Dangerous Weapon.
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The machete incident prompted a one-hour pause in visitor screenings at the Capitol, during which thousands gathered to honor President Carter. Despite the disruptions, Capitol Police ensured that the public could continue to pay their respects in a safe environment.
Authorities stated there is no indication that the two incidents were linked. However, the back-to-back events highlight the challenges faced by Capitol Police in safeguarding the area during times of increased public and political activity.
“Our officers know they cannot let their guard down for one second,” Chief Manger emphasized. “It is this constant focus and attention to detail that helps keep this campus safe.”
As heightened security remains in effect, Capitol Police continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting both the Capitol grounds and its visitors from potential threats.
