Man ‘driving erratically on sidewalk’ near US Capitol is captured just a day after Nola terror attack

STREETS around the US Capitol have been shut down after a vehicle was driven onto the sidewalk.

Authorities surrounded a car after it drove off the road on Constitution Avenue in the heart of Washington DC.

Cops arrested a man 'driving erratically' in Washington DC
Cops arrested a man ‘driving erratically’ in Washington DCCredit: Getty
The vehicle left the road and entered a grassy area just yards from the US Capitol
The vehicle left the road and entered a grassy area just yards from the US CapitolCredit: Getty
A major security operation was launched in Washington DC
A major security operation was launched in Washington DCCredit: WRC-TV

Capitol Police said the vehicle was seen driving “erratically” onto the sidewalk, sparking a major shutdown of the surrounding streets.

The incident happened just before 10 am ET.

Cops have urged the public to stay away from the Capitol while they investigate the vehicle involved.

Footage from the scene shows a large police presence around the car and a figure being led away.

The driver is now in custody.

Capitol Police stated that a car was seen driving on the sidewalk near Peace Circle, and onto the grassy area close to Third Street, NW, & Constitution Avenue before 10 am.

“Officers took the man into custody. Please continue to avoid the area while we investigate the car.”

It comes in the wake of heightened security in DC following the horror terror attack in New Orleans early Wednesday morning.

A pickup truck purposely crashed into groups of New Year’s Eve celebrants in the vibrant French Quarter, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 individuals and over 35 people being wounded.

The capital city was already ramping up security measures in anticipation of former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral and the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

Bombshell links between New Orleans terrorist who killed 15 & Tesla Cybertruck ‘bomber’ made by cops

US Capitol Police later said at 11:43 am they had arrested the man on suspicion of reckless driving.

“Our bomb squad cleared the car and declared that it is safe,” the statement said.

“The driver is being arrested for reckless driving.

“Please continue to avoid the area while our investigators continue their work.”

The roads around the Capitol are set to “reopen shortly,” the statement concluded.

DAYS OF TERROR

2025 has begun with a series of shocking incidents in the US sparking terror across the country.

Just three hours into the New Year, a driver deliberately plowed a pickup truck through crowds of revelers in New Orleans.

The suspected driver, Shamsud Din Jabbar, killed 14 people when he purposely drove into pedestrians in the French Quarter, before being killed himself in a firefight with police.

A further 35 were injured in the terror attack, believed to be inspired by the ISIS terror group, which Jabbar had pledged allegiance to earlier this year.

Jabbar is believed to have acted alone after authorities earlier said they were hunting for suspected accomplices.

He drove from his home in Houston, Texas, to New Orleans on New Year’s Eve, posting several videos online proclaiming his support for ISIS, the FBI said on Thursday.

Later on Wednesday, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.

One person – the driver – was killed in the blast while seven bystanders were wounded.

The driver has been named as 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger, a US Army Green Beret who served at the same military base as Jabbar.

He lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and rented the Cybertruck through Turo, the same vehicle-sharing app used to rent the pickup truck used in the New Orleans attack.

However, at this point, the FBI says there is no confirmed link between Livelsberger and Jabbar.

On Thursday, January 2, there was a major lockdown around the US Capitol after a vehicle was spotted driving erratically on the sidewalk.

The driver was subsequently arrested and charged with dangerous driving.

It comes as DC plans to host several major events in the coming days, including the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

New Orleans is also hosting a number of mass events in the next few weeks, including the Sugar Bowl college football playoff, the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, and Essence Festival.

Police have not released the name or age of the driver, or said if he is suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

HORROR NEW YEAR

The erratic behavior comes just a day after the terror attack in New Orleans perpetrated by Texan-born US Army veteran Shamsud Din Jabbar.

He is believed to have been radicalized by ISIS this year, and a flag of the group was found on the truck.

Hours later, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas killing the driver and wounding seven bystanders.

Authorities are treating the incident as a suspected terror attack and are investigating links between the two events.

Cops have closed off the area around the US Capitol after a vehicle was spotted 'driving erratically'
Cops have closed off the area around the US Capitol after a vehicle was spotted ‘driving erratically’Credit: WRC-TV
Security has been stepped up in DC in the wake of the New Orleans terror attack
Security has been stepped up in DC in the wake of the New Orleans terror attackCredit: Getty
You May Also Like

Father Accused of Raping Murdered 13-Year-Old Girl Discovered With Nearly Beheaded Body and Hands Cut Off

On Wednesday, an Ohio grand jury indicted a man for raping and…

Virginia Giuffre’s family issues a full statement as Prince Andrew accuser, aged 41, succumbs to the toll of abuse

THE heartbroken family of Virginia Giuffre have described her as a “fierce…

Warning: Tourist fell victim to a holiday scam involving the ‘bird poo’ trick, resulting in purse theft

BRITISH tourists are sounding the alarm over a classic con that is…

DHS Reacts to Influx of Letters Urging US Citizens to Depart Country

The Department of Homeland Security is dealing with a high volume of…

Peppa Pig Fans Discover Mummy Pig’s Baby’s Gender at Big Party in London Landmark

Fans of Peppa Pig will be very excited after a big gender…

Karen glares during trial while harsh messages to police officer partner are presented to jury, where he pleaded with her to ‘cease calling’.

Karen Read, the suspect in a murder case, appeared emotionless during a…

Check out the amazing new £3 billion airport renovation in a small country that might be perfect for your long-haul vacations

THIS is the brand-new £3 billion airport upgrade in a tiny Middle…

Authorities Report Lack of Proof for Alleged ‘New England Serial Killer’ Amid Online Speculation

Police in a small coastal town in Connecticut have confirmed the identity…

“An Unexpected Tragedy: Witnessing My Father Fatally Shoot My Karate Teacher on Television”

“If it were your child, you would’ve done the same thing too.”…

Touching messages for dear British person discovered deceased in Benidorm following body being found on shore.

The relatives of a man who was tragically found dead on a…

Discovering Paul Burton’s current whereabouts.

PAUL Burton is the subject of the hard-hitting Channel 4 documentary 24…

Scarlett Johansson may face her ex Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively at a gala, worrying they may steal the spotlight from her important career event

Scarlett Johansson exuded confidence on Thursday night at the star-studded 2025 Time100…