'Our officers just arrested a person with what appears to be a gun near the West Front of the US Capitol Building,' US Capitol Police (USCP) said in a statement. Cops are continuing to investigate a 'potential security concern' on the Lower West Terrace of the building. The Lower West Terrace is rarely-utilized space on the Capitol's entrance facing the National Mall. Images from the scene showed a number of officers standing near the Lower West Terrace with police tape up as authorities investigated. The Capitol Complex and members of Congress have seen a sharp uptick in threats over the last five years.

Source: Daily Mail February 18, 2026 12:53 UTC