On Wednesday afternoon, Capitol Police arrested Mel J. Horne, 44, after he attempted to enter the Capitol Visitor Center carrying a machete and three knives.
The incident unfolded at around 2 p.m. when officers conducting X-ray screenings at the Visitor Center’s north entrance spotted the weapons inside Horne’s bag. The screening process was halted as officers detained the suspect and secured the weapons.
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
Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger acknowledged the officers’ swift actions. “Their diligence ensures the safety of everyone on campus,” he said.
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
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
While the north entrance checkpoint was temporarily closed for approximately one hour, visitors continued to access the Capitol rotunda to view President Jimmy Carter’s lying in state.
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
Horne faces charges of carrying a dangerous weapon, and investigators are working to determine his motives. Police confirmed there is no ongoing threat to Congress, the public, or the Capitol.
This incident coincides with heightened security measures as President-elect Donald Trump was set to visit the Capitol later in the day to pay tribute to Carter.
