Car Fire Attempt Near Capitol Stopped During Trump’s Meeting with Senators

A chaotic scene unfolded in Washington, D.C., when U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) arrested a Virginia man who allegedly tried to set his car on fire near the Capitol building.

The alarming incident occurred Wednesday evening as President-elect Donald Trump met with GOP senators and paid his respects to former President Jimmy Carter, as Fox News reported.

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Adrian J. Hinton, was charged with unlawful activities after allegedly lighting a bag on fire atop his vehicle parked near the Grant Memorial on First Street, NW. USCP Chief J. Thomas Manger praised the quick response of law enforcement.

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“Twice today our officers stopped a man who could have been a danger to the Capitol Hill community,” Manger stated. “This vigilance is critical during this time of heightened security.”

The drama began shortly before 5:30 p.m., when officers were alerted to Hinton’s suspicious behavior. According to police reports, Hinton ignited a bag atop his car. However, the fire extinguished itself before it could spread.

Officers declared the vehicle suspicious, prompting the Hazardous Incident Response Division to conduct a thorough examination. By 7 p.m., authorities confirmed the car posed no immediate threat, though it was found to contain accelerants. Spray paint on the vehicle further heightened suspicions.

Hinton was arrested at the scene, adding to a day already filled with security concerns.

Hours before Hinton’s arrest, another unsettling event occurred. At approximately 2 p.m., Capitol Police detained 44-year-old Mel J. Horne of Washington, D.C., after he attempted to carry a machete into the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). The weapon was discovered during a routine security screening at the north doors of the CVC.

Police said the X-ray machine flagged the machete, leading to Horne’s immediate arrest. He faces multiple counts of carrying a dangerous weapon and remains under investigation. Officials are working to determine his motive.

With Trump’s presence on Capitol Hill and the broader context of rising political tensions, law enforcement is on high alert. The dual incidents highlight the importance of strict security measures. While leftist activists and agitators often disrupt order, law enforcement continues to act as a crucial line of defense against such threats.

As America prepares for the incoming administration, these incidents serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those protecting our nation’s Capitol.