Armed Man Shot on Capitol Hill on September 17

On September 17 just before 5:00 a.m., the suspect initially approached a U.S. Capitol Police officer at the truck interdiction post at Washington and Independence Ave., SW. Upon approaching the officer who was seated in a marked scout car, the suspect pointed a handgun at the officer who took evasive tactical action. The suspect fled on foot and the officer broadcast a lookout for a man with a gun.

Moments later, USCP officers observed a subject matching the description near the intersection of 2nd and C Street, SW. The suspect brandished a gun directly at officers who feared for their lives. Officers fired their weapons, shooting and wounding the man who was taken to an area hospital.

The suspect is identified as 29 year-old John Wesley Wheeler, Jr. of Suitland, Maryland. He has been charged with: Assault With Intent to Kill; Carrying a Pistol Without a License; Unregistered Firearm; Unregistered Ammunition. Additional federal charges are pending. A joint investigation by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department is continuing.

Both U.S. Capitol Police officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

If there are any questions about this event or our security procedures, you may contact the United States Capitol Police Public Information Office at 202-224-1677.

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