Security breach sparks swift response at Capitol Visitor Center

A man was arrested on Wednesday, January 8, for attempting to smuggle a machete and three knives into the U.S. Capitol, just hours before the visit of President-elect Donald Trump. The incident prompted heightened security measures and a temporary halt in screening operations at the Capitol Visitor Center.

Weapons detected during routine security check

According to the United States Capitol Police (USCP), the suspect, identified as 44-year-old Mel J. Horne of Washington, D.C., was apprehended shortly after 2:00 p.m. local time (7:00 p.m. GMT). The machete was detected during a routine X-ray scan at the entrance of the Capitol Visitor Center, with the additional knives uncovered during a subsequent bag search.

“Our officers know they cannot let their guard down for one second,” emphasized US Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger in an official statement. “It is this constant focus and attention to detail that helps keep this campus safe.”

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Temporary disruption to security operations

The north-side security checkpoint of the Capitol Visitor Center was temporarily closed as officers investigated the incident. Operations resumed approximately an hour later, minimizing disruptions to scheduled events.

Notably, public access to the lying-in state for former President Jimmy Carter was unaffected and continued as planned. “Public viewing for the lying in state was not stopped and will continue throughout the night, into Thursday morning,” confirmed the USCP in its statement.

The suspect faces multiple charges

Mel J. Horne has been charged with multiple counts of Carrying a Dangerous Weapon. The US Capitol Police are continuing their investigation to determine Horne’s motives, though it remains unclear if President-elect Trump was specifically targeted.

“At this time, there is no ongoing threat towards the Congress, the U.S. Capitol, or the public,” assured the Capitol Police in their statement.

Heightened vigilance ahead of high-profile visit

The attempted smuggling incident underscores the challenges faced by Capitol security personnel as they prepare for high-profile events. With Trump’s impending visit and ongoing public events at the Capitol, the need for stringent security protocols remains critical.

This story continues to develop as investigators examine the suspect’s intentions and any potential threats to public safety.