A man from Massachusetts was apprehended for possessing a handgun while touring the U.S. Capitol, according to police reports Thursday. The 27-year-old was taken into custody on Tuesday after officers of the Capitol police spotted him leaving the Library of Congress and heading toward his vehicle. Upon searching him, officers discovered the concealed firearm tucked in his waistband.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the Capitol police determined that the individual did not appear to pose any threat to Congress. However, a police officer who had permitted the man to enter the Capitol following a security check has been suspended while an investigation into the incident is conducted.
Security footage revealed the man passing through a Capitol entrance where he was screened by a security checkpoint. After the metal detectors alerted, an officer conducted a secondary manual check but still allowed him entry. The Capitol police have emphasized their commitment to maintaining stringent visitor screening protocols, announcing that a comprehensive review of this incident is underway. They also plan to implement mandatory retraining in security procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The charges against the man include carrying a pistol without the necessary license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful ammunition possession, and resisting arrest. Members of the House committee responsible for overseeing the Capitol police expressed their deep disappointment regarding this security breach and are urging the department to carry out a thorough evaluation of its visitor screening processes.
In a joint statement, the chair of the House Administration committee, Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wisconsin), along with ranking member Rep. Joe Morelle (D-New York), emphasized the importance of ensuring such an incident does not happen again. They asserted that a comprehensive approach towards enhancing security measures is essential.
