U.S. Capitol Police announced on Tuesday the arrest of a man “smelling like fuel” who was found with a torch and flare gun at the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). The man, whose name was not released, was stopped during the security screening process at the CVC.

“The CVC is closed for tours for the day, while we investigate. We will provide more information when we can,” Capitol Police posted on X. The suspect had also written a 25-page manifesto, intending to deliver it to Congress on Tuesday, according to sources informed by Fox News.

The arrest took place around 12:30 p.m. ET, as confirmed by congressional security sources. The man’s clothes were noticeably wet and strongly smelled of fuel, leading Capitol Police to act immediately and arrest him on the spot. His clothes were promptly removed as a precaution.

Our officers just arrested a man who was stopped during our screening process at the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). The man smelled like fuel, had a torch & a flare gun.

The CVC is closed for tours for the day, while we investigate. We will provide more information when we can. pic.twitter.com/J5geNud1h2

— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) November 5, 2024

Officials confirmed that the man was carrying a blow torch, a flare gun, and other flammable liquids. One senior source told Fox News that authorities were unsure if he intended to self-immolate.

Sources described the man as a White male in his late 20s who had driven overnight from Michigan to the Capitol. At a press briefing, Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger noted that while some of the suspect’s clothing smelled like gasoline, it wasn’t entirely clear what his intention was. “There’s no indication right now that it had anything to do with the election,” Manger added, mentioning that the Capitol Police have heightened security measures in place that may extend through and beyond the inauguration.

JUST IN: @CapitolPolice officers just arrested a man who was stopped during the screening process at the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). The man smelled like fuel, had a torch & a flare gun. ON-SCENE PHOTOS: pic.twitter.com/3ejiJrtfVX

— DMV News Live (@DCNewsLive) November 5, 2024

Sources indicated the suspect appeared to be acting alone and was previously unknown to the Capitol Police. Manger also said that police found the man’s vehicle a few blocks away, which has since been seized for further investigation.

When asked about the manifesto, Manger confirmed, “He had papers with him that he said his intent was to deliver them to Congress,” adding that police were examining these documents to determine their origin and content.

Manger detailed how officers noticed two bottles and “what appeared to be something in the shape of a firearm” in the suspect’s backpack, alongside a “faint odor of gasoline.” The backpack’s scent intensified once officers removed it from the conveyor belt, suspecting it contained either gasoline or another accelerant, as at least one of the bottles was leaking.

In the man’s jacket, officers found a flare gun, lighter, and torch lighter, as well as additional items in the backpack. Manger described the man as “very compliant” with officers, though he briefly hesitated while passing through security. Capitol Police are currently interviewing him as part of the ongoing investigation.

This incident occurred on Election Day, as voters nationwide headed to the polls. In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Secret Service confirmed it is “working closely” with federal, state, and local partners to implement “heightened levels of safety and security” leading up to Tuesday’s election. Additional fencing and bike-rack barriers have been set up to fortify the White House, Naval Observatory, Treasury Department, and the Capitol in Washington, D.C., as reported by The Washington Post.