A man who smelled of fuel and had a flashlight and a flare gun was arrested Tuesday at the Capitol Visitor Center, authorities said. (Valerie Plesch)

A man who smelled of fuel and had a flashlight and a flare gun was arrested Tuesday at the Capitol Visitor Center, authorities said.

The man, who has not been publicly identified, was arrested around 12:30 a.m. while trying to enter the building through a security process, police said. Two public safety officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe an ongoing investigation, said he is believed to be in his 20s and from Michigan. No information was immediately available about his intentions or what charges he might face.

In the run-up to the election, DC law enforcement agencies have beefed up security, erecting fences around the White House and other key locations. Capitol Police increased staffing and all 3,300 eligible D.C. police officers will work 12-hour shifts, with most furloughs canceled at least until Election Day. Some businesses also closed their windows, fearing that the polarized political climate could lead to unrest in D.C.

Police said the Capitol Visitor Center was closed to tours for the day while officers investigated