November 8, 2024 – WASHINGTON – Austin M. Olson, 27, of Westland, Michigan, had an initial appearance in U.S. District Court on Thursday afternoon, following his November 5, 2024, attempt to enter the U.S. Capitol with a flare gun, a torch, and two bottles of gasoline. Olson was charged in a complaint with unlawful activities for carrying a weapon or incendiary device on Capitol grounds.

U.S. Capitol Police officers arrested Olson on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. At about 12:30 p.m., Olson entered the complex and was asked to remove his belongings for inspection in a security x-ray machine. When Olson’s black coat passed through the x-ray machine, an officer saw what appeared to be a torch and a small firearm. The officer recovered a small torch device and an orange flare gun from the coat. Officers also noted that Olson’s small backpack reeked strongly of gasoline. Inside the backpack, officers found two bottles filled with fuel.

According to the USCP officer, Olson stated he was at the Capitol to send a message to Congress and that he had brought the torch and flare gun to "light up the message in fire." Another officer asked Olson what message he was planning to deliver. Olson removed a red closed envelope from under his shirt and stated it contained the message he wanted to send to the members of Congress. USCP officers handcuffed Olson and patted him down for additional contraband. Olson refused to provide identification.

Due to the strong odor of fuel emitting from Olson and his bag, USCP closed the Capitol Visitor Center. It reopened about 90 minutes later.

Officers searched Olson’s belongings and recovered two booklets containing writings and an identification card. Olson was charged with unlawful activities, possession of a prohibited weapon, and disorderly conduct and transported to USCP headquarters.

This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Capitol Police. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Schneider and Rachel Craft of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. 

Source: DOJ Release