A man equipped with a machete and several knives was apprehended while trying to enter the U.S. Capitol complex as visitors gathered to honor the late President Jimmy Carter, just hours prior to President-elect Donald Trump’s meeting with GOP senators.
Capitol Police officers halted the individual—who now faces several charges related to carrying a weapon—during a standard security inspection at the Capitol Visitor Center on Wednesday afternoon after detecting multiple weapons in his bag, according to a statement from the Capitol Police.
“As our officers conducted the screening, they noticed a machete within the man’s baggage, halted the x-ray machine, took the man into custody, and secured the weapon,” the Capitol Police stated on X.
“Along with the machete, three knives were also retrieved from the bag,” the statement continued. Capitol Police further noted, “The man will be charged with multiple offenses of Carrying a Dangerous Weapon.”
Just as Trump entered the Senate for a pre-planned meeting with Republican lawmakers, authorities reported a “suspicious vehicle” in proximity to the Capitol.
The apprehension of the machete-wielding man occurred during a period of increased security due to the large turnout of guests paying their respects to Carter, who is lying in state in the Rotunda. In anticipation of the certification of election results and Trump’s inauguration on January 20, Capitol Police had heightened security measures in recent days, including the installation of fencing around the area.
No one was injured in conjunction with the incident, and Capitol Police mentioned they would provide “more information as it becomes available.”
Wednesday evening, Trump was conducting a strategy meeting with Senate Republicans focusing on his plans regarding border security and taxation.
