JUST IN: Capitol Police Stop Potential Trump Attacker Hours Before Senate Visit
A man was apprehended while attempting to enter the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) on Wednesday after security personnel discovered a machete and several knives in his bag. This incident occurred just hours prior to President-elect Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Senate Republicans, adding an unexpected turn to the otherwise routine activities of the day. According to a statement from the U.S. Capitol Police, the individual was detained around 2 p.m. at the north entrance of the CVC during the standard security screening process.
Officers operating the X-ray machine identified the machete in the man’s bag, which led to an immediate suspension of the screening. A further inspection of the bag revealed three additional knives, all of which were confiscated by the police before the suspect was taken into custody. The identity of the individual has not yet been disclosed, but he faces multiple charges for carrying dangerous weapons.
The Capitol Police reported that security screenings at the north entrance of the CVC were temporarily halted while an investigation was conducted. Operations resumed shortly thereafter, ensuring that public access to the building remained largely unaffected. This arrest coincided with a day of increased activity at the Capitol, as members of the public gathered to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who was lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda for the second consecutive day. In a series of posts on social media, the Capitol Police detailed the events and assured the public that the situation was promptly managed.
At approximately 2:00 p.m., law enforcement officials apprehended an individual attempting to bring a machete into the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC), as stated in a report on X. During the security screening at the north entrance of the CVC, officers detected the machete in the individual’s bag, halted the x-ray machine, and proceeded to arrest the individual while securing the weapon. In addition to the machete, three knives were also discovered in the bag. Security screening at the north side of the Capitol Visitor Center was temporarily suspended during the investigation. The individual faces multiple charges related to the possession of a dangerous weapon.
