Local News

Small aircraft lands on Capitol lawn; pilot in custody

A small one-person helicopter has landed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, prompting a temporary lockdown of the Capitol Visitor's Center.

Posted Updated
WRAL News
D.C. — A small one-person helicopter has landed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, prompting a temporary lockdown of the Capitol Visitor's Center.
 
Capitol Police approached the aircraft shortly after it touched down and took its pilot into custody.
 
The man's identity and motive were not immediately clear. The situation was under investigation and streets in the area were shut down.
 

Capitol Police identified the aircraft as a "gyro copter with a single occupant."

Copyright 2024 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.