Man arrested for trying to bring machete, knives into Capitol Visitor Center, officials say
Jan 08, 2025
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) said a man was arrested Wednesday after trying to bring a machete into the Capitol Visitor Center.
The USCP said its officers stopped the man just after 2 p.m., having spotted the machete in his bag. They then stopped the X-ray machine, arrested him and secured the weapon.
Three knives were also found in his bag, along with the machete.
Courtesy of the US Capitol Police
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Security screening was paused as USCP officials investigated on the north side of the Capitol Visitor Center.
D.C.-native 44-year-old Mel J. Horne was arrested for multiple charges of Carrying a Dangerous Weapon.
The incident happened during a time of high security in the District when former President Jimmy Carter's funeral, the certification of the 2024 election results and the Presidential Inauguration are all happening within just weeks of each other.
“Our officers know they cannot let their guard down for one second,” said U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger in a news release. “It is this constant focus and attention to detail that helps keep this campus safe.”
Public viewing of Carter's lying in state was not stopped and will continue into Thursday morning.
As of Wednesday evening, it was not clear what Horne's motive was.