WASHINGTON — Capitol Police arrested a man Thursday morning after he was spotted “driving along the sidewalk” and into a grassy area near the US Capitol.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m., just one day after a deadly terror attack in New Orleans claimed 15 lives during New Year’s celebrations.
Officers from the Special Operations Division detained the driver near Peace Circle at Third Street NW and Constitution Avenue. The individual has been charged with reckless driving. Authorities temporarily closed roads while a bomb squad inspected the vehicle, later declaring the area safe.
In a statement, Capitol Police said: “Before 10 a.m., our Special Operations Division officers spotted a car driving along the sidewalk, near Peace Circle, and into the grassy area near Third Street, NW, and Constitution Avenue. Officers took the man into custody.”
The Washington Metro Police Department has increased security throughout the capital in response to recent violent incidents nationwide. The New Orleans attack involved Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a US Army veteran, who drove his vehicle into a crowd of New Year’s Eve revellers on Bourbon Street, killing 15 people.
Hours later, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in the driver’s death in what appeared to be another terror-related incident.
The area of Thursday’s arrest, near the intersection of Third Street NW and Constitution Avenue, is close to several federal buildings, including the Department of Labor, the US District Court, and the former Penn Biden Center.
Capitol Police tweeted after the incident: “Our bomb squad cleared the car and declared that it is safe. The driver is being arrested for reckless driving.
Please continue to avoid the area while our investigators continue their work. Roads in the region will re-open shortly.”
The events underscore heightened concerns about erratic behaviour and potential threats in public spaces. Local authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant as investigations continue.
