A tense situation unfolded at the U.S. Capitol as security personnel intercepted a man carrying multiple weapons at a visitor checkpoint.
According to Fox News, U.S. Capitol Police arrested 44-year-old Mel J. Horne of Washington, D.C., after discovering a machete and three knives in his bag during a security screening at the Capitol Visitor Center, just hours before President-elect Trump's scheduled meeting with Senate Republicans.
The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. when alert officers manning the security checkpoint at the CVC's north doors detected the weapons through an X-ray machine. The discovery prompted an immediate response from Capitol Police, who swiftly took Horne into custody and secured the dangerous items.
The security breach attempt led to a temporary shutdown of screening operations on the north side of the Capitol Visitor Center. The closure, lasting approximately one hour, allowed investigators to conduct a thorough examination of the situation and ensure there were no additional threats.
Capitol Police officials emphasized that there was no ongoing danger to Congress, the U.S. Capitol, or the public following the incident.
Authorities have charged Horne with multiple counts of carrying dangerous weapons. Investigators are currently working to determine the suspect's motives for attempting to bring the weapons into the Capitol complex. The timing of the incident raised particular concerns, given the scheduled high-profile visit.
The arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of the Capitol's security protocols, which have been strengthened following previous security incidents. The X-ray machine's detection of the weapons and the quick response by officers prevented any potential threat from materializing.
The security incident occurred as preparations were underway for President-elect Trump's meeting with Senate Republicans. The gathering, hosted by Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., who chairs the Senate Republican Policy Committee, was part of Trump's transition activities ahead of his return to the Oval Office later this month.
The meeting's significance stems from its role in Trump's preparations for his upcoming presidential term. As he readies himself to resume the presidency, these discussions with Senate Republicans represent crucial steps in establishing legislative priorities and strengthening party relationships.
Despite the security incident, the Capitol complex maintained its operational status, allowing scheduled activities to continue. The swift resolution of the security threat ensured that the day's political proceedings could move forward without disruption.
Mel J. Horne's arrest at the Capitol Visitor Center marked another successful intervention by Capitol Police in preventing unauthorized weapons from entering the complex. The 44-year-old Washington, D.C. resident was apprehended after attempting to bring a machete and three knives through security, just hours before President-elect Trump's scheduled meeting with Senate Republicans.
The suspect faces multiple charges related to carrying dangerous weapons and awaits further investigation into his motives. Meanwhile, the incident has reinforced the importance of rigorous security measures at the Capitol, particularly during high-profile political events.
The successful prevention of this potential security threat allowed President-elect Trump's transition activities to proceed as planned, including his crucial meeting with Senate Republicans led by Senator Shelley Moore Capito.
