According to Capitol Police, a guy brandishing three knives and a machete was taken into custody on Wednesday while undergoing a security check for those in line to see former President Jimmy Carter lie in state.
According to a news release from Capitol Police, Mel J. Horne of Washington, D.C., was taken into custody on several counts of possessing a dangerous weapon.
Shortly after 2 p.m. ET, police said they saw the machete in a bag as it passed through an X-ray machine at the Capitol Visitor Center. Three knives were also found in the backpack, according to Capitol Police.
According to the agency, screening at the tourist center’s north location was suspended for approximately an hour while authorities conducted their investigation.
In the news release, Capitol Police stated that “USCP investigators will interview Horne to ascertain his motive.” “At this time there is no on-going threat towards the Congress, the U.S. Capitol, or the public.”
Horne, 44, was arrested only hours before Donald Trump, the president-elect, arrived at the Capitol to meet with Senate Republicans and pay his respects to Carter. Trump’s visit to the Capitol seems to be his first since the attack on January 6, 2021.
On Tuesday afternoon, Carter’s casket was delivered to the Capitol. He will remain in state until a service at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday morning.
A 35-year-old Virginia man was also taken into custody by Capitol Police on Wednesday after he set a bag containing accelerants on fire on top of his vehicle close to the Capitol.
The man was caught for illegal activity; his name has not yet been made public. According to the law enforcement authorities, there is no connection between the two instances.
In a statement, Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger stated, “Our officers stopped a man twice today who could have been a danger to the Capitol Hill community.” In this day of increased security, this attentiveness is essential.
Over the past year, the Capitol Police have made further arrests at the Visitor’s Center.
A guy was detained by Capitol Police in November after they claimed he was in possession of gasoline bottles, a torch lighter, and a flare pistol.
The agency reported earlier last year that it had apprehended a man who was trying to use a hammer to enter the Capitol Visitor’s Center.
Ahead of the confirmation of Trump’s electoral victory this week, the U.S. Capitol Police announced that the Capitol was strengthened with new fence, increased patrols and more officers, and coordination with other agencies. His inauguration on January 20 is anticipated to follow similar security procedures.
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