Official announcements from Capitol Police or U.S. Capitol administration

Man Arrested at Capitol Visitor Center with Machete During Jimmy Carter Memorial

Jan 8, 2025, 08:37 PM

Just after 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, a man was arrested at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center after attempting to enter with a machete and three knives, Capitol Police reported. The weapons were detected during security screening at the north doors of the Visitor Center when officers spotted them on the X-ray machine. The man was immediately taken into custody and charged with multiple counts of carrying a dangerous weapon. The incident occurred as the Capitol was busier than usual with members of the public paying respects to former President Jimmy Carter, who was lying in state.