An unidentified man was detained on Wednesday after allegedly attempting to sneak a machete and three knives into the US Capitol Visitor Center just hours before President-elect Donald Trump’s scheduled arrival. US Capitol Police have stated their intention to bring charges against the suspect, who was apprehended at an X-ray scanner stationed at the entrance to the legislative complex.
In an official statement released by the department, it was revealed that during routine security screening at the CVC’s north doors, officers identified a machete inside the man’s bag. The X-ray machine was promptly halted, the man was taken into custody, and the machete was confiscated. Furthermore, three additional knives were discovered in the bag along with the machete. Security screening operations were briefly suspended at the north side of the Capitol Visitor Center while authorities conducted an investigation into the matter.
The incident unfolded at approximately 2 p.m. local time. Heightened security measures have been implemented in and around the Capitol in anticipation of Trump’s inauguration on January 20, as well as other upcoming events. The late former President Jimmy Carter’s casket has been lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda since Tuesday evening in preparation for his state funeral scheduled for Thursday.
President Trump, aged 78, was slated to visit the Capitol later Wednesday to pay his respects to the 39th president and engage in discussions with Senate Republican leaders to outline the GOP’s agenda for the next two years.
This story is currently unfolding, and additional updates will be provided as they become available.
