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.
As the man’s suitcase passed through an X-ray machine at the Capitol Visitor Center, police said they noticed the machete inside.
In addition to the machete, three other knives were discovered in the backpack. While we looked into it, security screening was momentarily halted at the Capitol Visitor Center’s north side,” police stated in a statement put on X.
According to Capitol Police, the man, whose name has not been made public, was taken into custody on several counts of possessing a dangerous weapon.
Capitol Police declined to respond when contacted for further information.
On Wednesday, President-elect Donald Trump is also anticipated to visit the Capitol to honor Carter and meet with Senate Republicans. 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.
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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