A person was arrested exterior the Capitol in Washington, D.C. after he was discovered to have a knife and machete on his individual. Capitol Police issued an announcement Wednesday on the arrest, saying an officer seen the person performing “unusual” and requested him to take away a brick that was protruding of his pocket. The person additionally eliminated a knife and set it down. The officer then seen the deal with of a machete below the person’s clothes.
Police recognized the person as “23 yr outdated Jose Leonardo Marquez of no mounted handle.” Police stated there was no proof he was focusing on any members of Congress. The Home and Senate are on break for the vacations with the Senate holding pro-forma classes till January 8, with the Home out till January 9.
Capitol Police posted a photograph of the blades:
USCP Officers Arrest Man with Machete & Knife exterior the U.S. Capitol
December 27, 2023 Press LaunchYesterday afternoon, United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers arrested a person who was carrying a machete and a knife on the East Entrance of the U.S. Capitol.
“That is one other instance of the vigilance and robust instinct of our USCP officers,” stated U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger. “I’m pleased with our cops who routinely work to maintain everybody round the usCapitol secure.”
On Tuesday, at roughly 4:15 p.m., a USCP officer noticed a person pacing forwards and backwards, then sit down on a ledge on the east aspect of U.S. Capitol. After witnessing the person’s unusual conduct the officer approached the person. After talking with him for a couple of minutes, the officer seen a brick within the man’s pocket. The officer requested him to toss the brick to the aspect. After he complied, the person additionally pulled out a knife and positioned the knife on the ledge. The officer known as for backup and secured the knife.
Then the officer seen the deal with of a machete below the person’s clothes. The officer drew his service weapon and ordered the person to place his arms up. The person complied and officers have been in a position to safely take the machete away from the person and make the arrest.
The suspect has been recognized as 23 yr outdated Jose Leonardo Marquez of no mounted handle.
Whereas the investigation continues, it’s not but clear what Marquez was doing in Washington, D.C. At the moment, there is no such thing as a proof that Marquez was focusing on Members of Congress. Thus far he’s being charged with Carrying a Harmful Weapon and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.
Final month on November 7 Capitol Police introduced the arrest of a person with a rifle close to the Capitol (excerpt)
On Tuesday, at roughly 12:40 p.m., a witness alerted a USCP officer {that a} man with a rifle was strolling within the park throughout from Union Station — the world of the park close to Delaware Avenue and Columbus Circle, NE. The officer known as for backup, which rapidly arrived.
Officers noticed the person carrying a rifle in a single hand, in order that they demanded that he drop the gun. When the person refused, an helping USCP officer tased the suspect, so officers may take the gun and make the arrest. The park was briefly closed whereas investigators searched the world and the suspect’s belongings.
The suspect has been recognized as 21 yr outdated Ahmir Lavon Merrell of Atlanta, GA. Police information present he has a warrant for a probation violation out of Georgia.
Whereas the investigation continues, it’s not but clear what Merrell was doing in Washington, D.C. Thus far he’s being charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unregistered Ammunition, Unregistered Firearm, Fugitive from Justice, and Illegal Actions.
