A tense moment unfolded at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday when a man attempting to enter the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) was stopped and arrested after security officers discovered a machete and multiple knives in his bag. The incident occurred just hours before President-elect Trump was scheduled to visit Capitol Hill for a private meeting with Senate Republicans.
The arrest happened around 2 p.m. at the north doors of the CVC during routine security screening, according to a statement from the U.S. Capitol Police. Officers operating the X-ray machine spotted the machete in the man’s bag, halting the screening process immediately. A search of the bag revealed three additional knives, all of which were confiscated before the suspect was taken into custody.
The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, faces multiple charges of carrying a dangerous weapon. Security screenings at the north entrance were briefly suspended while Capitol Police conducted an investigation, but operations quickly resumed to minimize disruption for visitors.
The arrest comes on a day of heightened activity at the Capitol, with visitors gathering to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who is lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda. Capitol Police reassured the public that the situation was swiftly contained, issuing a detailed statement on social media platform X:
“Just after 2:00 p.m., our officers stopped and arrested a man who tried to get a machete into the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC),” the statement read. “Three knives were also found in the bag, along with the machete. Security screening was temporarily stopped… while we investigated. The man is being arrested for multiple charges of Carrying a Dangerous Weapon.”
While the man’s motives remain unclear, there is no indication he posed a direct threat to President-elect Trump or any other officials. Trump’s visit to the Capitol marked his first since leaving office in 2021 and included a meeting with Senate Republicans to discuss his legislative agenda ahead of his transition to the Oval Office.
This incident follows another recent security breach on Capitol Hill, when a staffer for Democratic Representative Joe Morelle (D-NY) was arrested for carrying ammunition in his bag. Capitol Police continue to emphasize strict screening protocols to ensure the safety of all those entering the Capitol complex.
Further details on Wednesday’s arrest and the suspect’s intentions are expected as the investigation progresses.
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