Michigan man arrested on Capitol Hill ‘smelled fuel’; Visitor Center Closed: USCP

WASHINGTON (7News) – A man arrested Tuesday on Capitol Hill reportedly “smelled of fuel,” was in possession of flammable items and likely traveled from out of state to deliver items to members of Congress, U.S. Capitol Police said Tuesday afternoon.

Officials said the man was stopped during a security check at the entrance to the visitor center located underneath the U.S. Capitol building and near the Supreme Court building. Capitol Police said they found a flare gun, a lighter, a flashlight and two bottles of “accelerant” on him, one of which leaked onto the man’s bag and clothing.

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It all happened around 12:20 p.m. after police said they saw a man wearing heavy clothing walking slowly toward a building and frequently moving his head. Police confronted the man and asked him to place his bag and jacket on the security screening conveyor.

After discovering the items, the man, later identified as 29-year-old Austin Olson of Michigan, reportedly complied with police during his arrest and told officers he had documents he wanted to “deliver to Congress,” according to the USCP. Chief Thomas Munger.

USCP investigators said they tracked the suspect’s previous movements and located his vehicle at 9th and Maryland Avenues NE. The man’s vehicle was impounded and the scene was cleared, officials said.

All tours for the day were closed due to the police investigation, although there were people inside the visitor center at the time of the incident. Police said patrons inside were not in immediate danger and were not notified.

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

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