Man Arrested After Attempting To Bring Machete, Knives Into Capitol

A 44-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday afternoon after attempting to enter the Capitol Visitor Center with multiple weapons, including a machete and three knives. Capitol Police identified the suspect as Mel J. Horne of Washington, D.C.

The arrest occurred shortly after 2 p.m. when officers conducting routine security screenings at the north entrance of the Visitor Center spotted a machete inside Horne’s bag during an X-ray scan. Officers immediately stopped the machine, secured the bag, and detained the suspect.

Chief J. Thomas Manger of the U.S. Capitol Police praised his officers, stating, “Our officers know they cannot let their guard down for one second. It is this constant focus and attention to detail that helps keep this campus safe.”

The north side of the Visitor Center was temporarily closed for approximately an hour while the incident was investigated. However, public access for visitors paying respects to the late President Jimmy Carter, who is lying in state at the Capitol, remained uninterrupted.

The motive behind the incident is not yet clear, and Horne is being interviewed by Capitol Police investigators. Authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat to Congress, the Capitol building, or the public.

President-elect Donald Trump was also expected to visit the Capitol later in the day to pay his respects to Carter, adding to the increased security measures in place.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR