A Massachusetts Man Was Arrested for Bringing a Handgun into the U.S. Capitol Building
On January 21, a 27-year-old man from Massachusetts, identified as James A. Faber, was arrested by the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) after he brought a handgun on a U.S. Capitol tour. The incident occurred just a day after President Donald Trump was sworn-in.
According to the USCP, authorities received a lookout for Faber, who is believed to have reported mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, and was armed and in the area. He passed through the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) checkpoint, where the magnetometers sounded, and an officer performed a secondary hand search. However, the officer missed the handgun, and Faber was allowed to enter the Capitol building.
Responding officers canvassing the area found Faber’s vehicle and stopped him, searching and arresting him after his tour of the Capitol building. Authorities found a small 9mm handgun, concealed in his waistband.
The USCP suspended the officer who conducted the search and is conducting an investigation into the incident. There is no indication that Faber was coming to harm the Congress, and thankfully, nobody was hurt. The USCP has ordered a full review of the incident and mandatory refresher training on security screening to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Faber was arrested for Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Pistol Without a License, Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and Resisting Arrest. The USCP has also reached out to comment on the incident.