U.S. Capitol Police on Wednesday detained a man accused of trying to slip a machete and three knives into the Capitol Visitor Center hours before President-elect Donald Trump was scheduled to visit.
The suspect's potential motive is not yet clear, but Capitol Police captured the armed suspect through an X-ray scan at the entrance to the complex and plans to charge him.
“During security screening at the north exit of the CVC, officers discovered a machete in the man's bag, deactivated the X-ray machine, arrested the man, and secured the machete,” the Capitol Police said in a statement. did.
“Three knives were also found in the bag, along with a machete. Security screening was temporarily suspended on the north side of the Capitol Visitor Center while we investigated.”
The incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. ET and occurred during heightened security at the Capitol. This was an additional measure introduced ahead of the certification of the election on January 6, 2024.
Former President Jimmy Carter's casket was in the Capitol Rotunda while Capitol Police confiscated a machete.
Mr. Trump, 78, was scheduled to visit the Capitol later in the day to pay tribute to Mr. Carter and meet with Senate Republicans to develop the party's agenda.
