The heart of American government has been on edge since 6 January. This incident will serve to add to the jitters.

If, as reported, the perpetrator was armed with a knife, in a country where it is alarmingly easy to get hold of guns and ammunition, it does not appear to be a serious co-ordinated attempt to disrupt democracy.

The fact the man also chose Good Friday, when Congress is on recess, also suggests this was not a well-planned assault on government.

Capitol attack: Follow latest live updates

But the attack on two US Capitol police officers and the sight of a massive police response at such a symbolic location will understandably make people nervous.

We have seen incidents in the recent past of cars being driven at the security barriers at the Capitol. Generally these incidents are not related to terrorism or national security.

The motivation and aims of this latest perpetrator will now be the focus of an investigation that’s already begun. They will also want to ensure that no one else is involved in any conspiracy.

But Americans will be looking closely for any sign that this is connected to the political unrest that has gripped this country since November’s election.

Related posts:

Hundreds flock to South African village in ‘diamond rush’ after discovery of unidentified stones Gunman on run after man and woman killed in Germany Christian Eriksen visits team after being discharged from hospital ‘No one should die of a flood in Germany’: Villagers struggle to recover from unprecedented deluge Athletes at Tokyo’s Olympic Village forced to isolate after testing positive for COVID Before and after images show devastation caused by Germany floods Dutch royals can marry same-sex partner and keep right to throne, prime minister says Soldiers break bricks, lay on glass and throw knives as North Korea leader Kim Jong Un smiles on Norway bow and arrow suspect had been flagged for radicalisation, police say ‘Walrus from Space’ climate change project urges public to help search for animals in satellite images Britain’s most notorious conman Mark Acklom extradited to Spain days after early prison release ‘Small team’ of British troops deployed to Belarus-Poland border amid migrant crisis