James A. Faber, 27, Arrested After Entering U.S. Capitol with Concealed Handgun Amid Mental Health Concerns

Jan 23, 2025, 07:03 PM

A 27-year-old man from Massachusetts, James A. Faber, was arrested after he managed to enter the U.S. Capitol with a 9mm handgun concealed in his waistband. The incident occurred on Tuesday, following a tour of the Capitol and a visit to the Library of Congress. Faber, who had reported mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, set off metal detectors upon entering the Capitol Visitor Center but was allowed inside after a secondary hand search failed to detect the weapon. The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) had been alerted to look out for a man believed to be armed in the area. Faber was stopped and arrested as he was leaving the Library of Congress. The officer who conducted the initial search has been suspended pending an administrative investigation by the USCP's Office of Professional Responsibility. There is no indication that Faber intended to harm Congress, and no injuries were reported. The case has been referred to the U.S. Attorney's Office, and the USCP has ordered a full review of the incident along with mandatory refresher training on security screening.