Police Arrest Man Carrying Machete At Capitol
Capitol Police arrested a Washington, D.C., resident on Wednesday after discovering a machete and three knives in his possession during security screening at the Capitol Visitor Center. The individual, identified as 44-year-old Mel J. Horne, was detained just after 2 p.m.
The weapons were discovered during a routine X-ray scan of Horne’s bag at the north entrance to the Visitor Center. Officers promptly stopped the machine, secured the bag, and took Horne into custody.
Chief J. Thomas Manger praised the officers for their swift response, stating, “This level of vigilance is what keeps our campus secure.”
Just after 2:00 p.m., our officers stopped and arrested a man who tried to get a machete into the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC).
THREAD: pic.twitter.com/7XFL4wNt6d
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) January 8, 2025
USCP Stops, Arrests Man with Machete & Knives at Security Screening: https://t.co/l3CPimfyAt pic.twitter.com/S1zRwt3vg4
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) January 8, 2025
Although security screening at the north entrance was briefly suspended, the incident did not impact public access to view President Jimmy Carter, who is lying in state at the Capitol. The checkpoint reopened after about an hour.
The man is being arrested for multiple charges of Carrying a Dangerous Weapon.
We will provide more information once it is available.
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) January 8, 2025
Horne has been charged with multiple counts of carrying a dangerous weapon. Authorities are investigating his motive but confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the Capitol or public safety.
Picture of U.S. Capitol suspect who was caught with knives and machete. Seen practicing with swords in his front yard. pic.twitter.com/Me6y9XKJ6D
— Mr Commonsense (@fopminui) January 9, 2025
The arrest comes during heightened security measures as President-elect Donald Trump was expected to visit the Capitol later in the day to pay his respects to Carter.