Westland Man Tried to Bring Flare Gun, Fuel into US Capitol
November 7, 2024
Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com
A Westland man faces charges for trying to bring a blowtorch lighter, flare gun and fuel into the U.S. Capitol on Election Day.
Austin Olson was caught during a routine security check at the U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center on Election Day.
Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger said the 28-year-old Olson "smelled like fuel" when he put his backpack and jacket down for screening.
According to police reports, Olson traveled from Westland to Washington, D.C., to deliver a political thesis to Congress and intended to start some sort of fire.
Fox News reported his papers included a 25-page manifesto with "anti-government" and "anti-israel" statements.
Authorities are still reviewing the content and origin of these documents.