Capitol Police arrested a 44-year-old man attempting to bring four weapons — a machete and three knives — into the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Wednesday as thousands lined up to pay respects to former President Jimmy Carter.
Officers discovered the weapons in D.C. resident Mel J. Horne’s bag through an X-ray machine at approximately 2 p.m. ET at the north entrance of the Visitor Center, prompting an hour-long pause in security screening.
“Our officers know they cannot let their guard down for one second,” U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger said. “It is this constant focus and attention to detail that helps keep this campus safe.”
The arrest occurred hours before President-elect Donald Trump’s first visit to the Capitol since January 2021. Trump arrived later Wednesday to pay respects to Carter and meet with Senate Republicans.
In a separate incident Wednesday, Capitol Police arrested a 35-year-old Virginia man who set fire to a bag containing accelerants on top of his car near the Capitol. Police said the incidents appeared unrelated.
Officers also investigated a suspicious vehicle with concerning writings on the west side of the Capitol between Maryland and Pennsylvania avenues.
“Twice today our officers stopped a man who could have been a danger to the Capitol Hill community,” Manger said. “This vigilance is critical during this time of heightened security.”
The public viewing of Carter continued uninterrupted despite the security incidents. Thousands of mourners braved snow, ice, and below-freezing temperatures, with some lining up before dawn. Sandy Sessink drove from Michigan to honor her father’s admiration for Carter.
Capitol Police have faced similar security challenges recently. In November, they arrested a man carrying a flare gun, torch lighter, and bottles of fuel at the Capitol Building. Earlier in the year, officers stopped a man attempting to enter with a hammer.
The Capitol Visitor Center remains open for public viewing through 7 a.m. Thursday, when Carter’s state funeral will take place at Washington National Cathedral.
Capitol Police implemented enhanced security measures, including additional fencing, increased patrols, and coordination with other agencies ahead of Trump’s electoral certification and upcoming January 20 inauguration.
Horne faces multiple charges of carrying dangerous weapons.
Capitol Police said investigators will interview him to determine his motive, though they stated there is “no on-going threat towards the Congress, the U.S. Capitol, or the public.”