Staff Reports
The United States Capitol Police were on high alert Tuesday after an unsettling incident unfolded in a park near the Capitol. A man carrying a gun was spotted in Upper Senate Park, where he left behind a suspicious package. Thankfully, Capitol police were quick to respond and promptly arrested the individual.
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The incident sparked a temporary lockdown of Senate office buildings and prompted the closure of two nearby streets. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger assured the public that there was no ongoing threat, but urged people to stay away from the area as a precautionary measure.
Details regarding the individual remain scarce, but sources suggest that he was armed with an AR-15-style rifle. The suspect, identified as Ahmir Lavon Merrell, 21, hails from Atlanta, Georgia, and is a registered sex offender.
Upon discovering the suspicious package, bomb technicians were called in to investigate. Fortunately, their search yielded no concerning findings. Authorities are still in the dark regarding the suspect’s motives and intentions. Chief Manger hinted at the possibility of mental health issues playing a role in the incident.
Merrell is expected to face charges for unlawfully possessing a firearm on Capitol grounds, with additional charges potentially being added. This unsettling occurrence comes just days after another disturbing incident involving two individuals crashing a stolen car into a vehicle barrier near the Capitol. The suspects fled the scene, leaving behind two handguns.
As tensions persist in the nation’s capital, the United States Capitol Police continue to diligently protect and serve, ensuring the safety and security of the people and institutions vital to our democracy.
