WESTLAND, Mich. – A Westland man was caught with a flare gun and fuel at the U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center on Election Day.
Austin Martin Olson, 28, of Westland, was detained Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, when police requested to inspect his backpack, which led to the discovery of a flare gun and a torch lighter.
Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger said Olson put his backpack and jacket down for screening, leading officers to see what appeared to be a weapon. Upon inspection, a strong odor of gasoline was also detected from the backpack.
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.
Olson carried a considerable amount of documents, which he planned to present to members of Congress, according to officials.
Authorities are still reviewing the content and origin of these documents.
Neighbors who live in Olson‘s Westland apartment complex said he keeps to himself.
