Attempted attack on Washington synagogue: armed man with loaded gun tried to enter Sabbath prayers and was arrested

In depth

A 32-year-old man from Virginia was arrested on Saturday at the entrance of the Reform synagogue in Washington, D.C., while carrying a loaded gun. Security guards at the site detected the weapon using a metal detector and held him until police arrived.

The suspect had come to the Sabbath prayers at the site, and according to his statement, he carried the gun out of concern for his safety. Police confiscated the weapon.

The suspect is expected to stand trial on weapons offenses. The motive for his arrival at the site is still under investigation.