The Federal Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that Yonathan Melaku of Alexandria, Va., was the man detained by police Friday morning at Arlington National Cemetery.
Melaku, 22, is a Marine Forces reservist and a winner of the National Defense Service Medal, according to the FBI.
Police observed Melaku around 1:30 a.m. Friday in Arlington National Cemetery, far past the cemetery’s closing time, according to David Schlosser, U.S. parks police spokesman. Melaku fled before being apprehended by police. His suspicious backpack and the subsequent search for his vehicle tied up traffic surrounding the Pentagon during morning rush hour, with police closing off I-395 and I-295.
Melaku’s backpack and vehicle did not contain any bombs or threatening materials.
The FBI and Fairfax County police also searched Melaku’s residence in Alexandria.
Officials believe Melaku acted alone. He is still in custody of U.S. park police.
