Police stopped a man who “smelled of fuel” and had a flare gun at the US Capitol on Election Day.

(Gray News) – U.S. Capitol Police arrested a man Tuesday who tried to enter the visitor center with a flare gun and what appeared to be a fire extinguisher.

U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Munger said during a briefing that a man entered the Capitol Visitors Center shortly after noon on Election Day and approached the security screening area.

During the search, officers asked the man to remove his coat and backpack for inspection. They then noticed what appeared to be a firearm in his bag, which was later identified as a flare gun, and two bottles of flammable gas.

The manager also reported that the police I noticed that the man smelled like gasoline.

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

His car was located several blocks from the Capitol building.

Munger said police were still investigating the motive, but the man told investigators he had documents in his backpack that he intended to deliver to Congress.

Enhanced security protocols are already in place at the Capitol, the chief said.

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

The investigation is still ongoing.