Man Carrying Weapons Arrested At Capitol Visitor Center

Capitol Police arrested a 44-year-old man Wednesday afternoon after he attempted to pass through security at the Capitol Visitor Center with a machete and multiple knives.

The suspect, identified as Mel J. Horne of Washington, D.C., was stopped at the north entrance security checkpoint around 2 p.m. Officers conducting routine X-ray screenings spotted the machete inside his bag and promptly halted the screening process.

Further inspection of the bag revealed three additional knives, all of which were confiscated. Horne was taken into custody and is now facing charges for carrying a dangerous weapon.

Chief J. Thomas Manger of the Capitol Police praised his team for their swift and decisive actions. “Our officers remain vigilant every second of the day, and their attention to detail ensures this campus stays safe,” Manger said.

The north side checkpoint was temporarily closed for about an hour while officers secured the area and conducted their investigation. Despite the brief disruption, public viewing of President Jimmy Carter’s lying in state at the Capitol rotunda continued without interruption.

Officials confirmed there is no ongoing threat to lawmakers, visitors, or the Capitol itself. Horne’s motives remain unclear, and investigators are working to determine why he was carrying the weapons.

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