Man Arrested After Allegedly Going To Capitol With Flare Gun

A Michigan man was arrested at the U.S. Capitol on Election Day with a flare gun, torch, and potential manifesto, raising concerns about potential violence.

At a Glance

Austin M. Olson from Westland, Michigan, was arrested at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center on Election Day
He was found carrying a flare gun and torch, while also emitting a gasoline odor or that of a similar accelerant.
Olson allegedly had a possible manifesto and a letter to Congress regarding his views on the Middle East conflict.
Capitol Police were on heightened alert, but Olson’s actions are not currently linked to the election.
The incident occurred amid broader election security concerns and bomb threats in other states.

Arrest at the Capitol

On Election Day, U.S. Capitol Police arrested Austin M. Olson, a man from Westland, Michigan, at the Capitol Visitor Center. Olson was allegedly found carrying suspicious items, including a flare gun, torch lighter, and bottles with fuel residue. The arrest occurred during a routine screening process, where officers noticed the man emitting an odor of fuel.

Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger emphasized the significance of the officers’ actions in preventing a potentially dangerous situation. The swift response of the security personnel could have averted a more serious incident on what was already a tense day for the nation.

“If our officers did not stop this man, yesterday would have been a very different story than this one,” Manger said of the incident.

A Michigan man was caught with a flare gun and fuel at the U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center on Election Day. https://t.co/R260SKCc5w

— Local 4 WDIV Detroit (@Local4News) November 7, 2024

Charges and Suspicious Items

Olson faces charges of possession of a prohibited weapon, unlawful activities, and disorderly conduct. The discovery of his suspicious items triggered immediate concern among law enforcement officials. According to police reports, Olson was carrying a manifesto and a letter addressed to Congress regarding his views on the Middle East conflict, specifically protesting the war in Gaza and the U.S. relationship with Israel.

The presence of fuel and incendiary devices raised serious concerns about Olson’s intentions. However, authorities have not yet determined the full extent of his plans or motivations. The incident led to the closure of the Visitor Center and the suspension of public tours for the remainder of the day.

Heightened Security Measures

The arrest occurred against a backdrop of heightened security measures in Washington, D.C., and across the nation. Capitol Police were on high alert for potential violence on Election Day, although officials have stated that Olson’s alleged actions were not currently linked to the election itself. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in safeguarding government institutions and public spaces.

Reports of bomb threats targeting polling centers in Georgia and other states further heightened tensions. Many of these threats were traced to Russian-run email domains, prompting investigations by state and federal authorities. While some threats led to temporary evacuations and voting schedule extensions, major disruptions were largely avoided.

As investigations continue into Olson’s case and the various threats reported on Election Day, authorities remain vigilant. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for robust security measures to protect democratic institutions and processes, especially during times of heightened political tension.