(Gray News) – US Capitol Police arrested a man Tuesday as he tried to enter the visitor center with a firearm and an apparent fire accelerant.

US Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger said during a briefing that the man entered the Capitol Visitor Center shortly after noon on Election Day and approached the screening area.

Officers at the checkpoint asked the man to put down his coat and backpack for an inspection. They then observed what appeared to be a firearm, which was later identified as a flare gun, and two bottles of accelerant in his bag.

Manger also said the police he noticed that the man smelled like gasoline.

Police arrested the man, who was not initially identified, without incident.

His vehicle was located a few blocks from the Capitol building.

Police are still investigating a motive, Manger said, but the man told investigators he had documents in his backpack that he intended to hand over to Congress.

According to the chief, there were already enhanced security protocols in place at the Capitol.

“We were on high alert and we were in the days leading up to Election Day,” Manger said.

The investigation is still ongoing.

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