U.S. Capitol Police Arrest Man with Machete and Knives as Jimmy Carter Lies in State
A 44-year-old man from Washington, D.C. was arrested at a Capitol screening checkpoint on Wednesday as former President Jimmy Carter lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda. The man, identified as Mel Horne, was stopped when police officers spotted a machete in his bag during an X-ray screening in the Capitol Visitor Center.
In addition to the machete, officers found three knives in Horne’s bag, prompting them to shut down security screenings at the north side of the visitor center for about an hour. Horne was arrested on multiple charges of carrying a dangerous weapon.
USCP Chief Thomas Manger praised the officers for their vigilance, saying, “Our officers know they cannot let their guard down for one second. It is this constant focus and attention to detail that helps keep this campus safe.”
Horne will be interviewed to determine his motives, and police have assured the public that there is no active threat to the Capitol, Congress, or the public at this time. Carter’s casket will remain in the Rotunda until his funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday, and the public has been allowed to come to the Capitol to pay their respects.
President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the Capitol on Wednesday to pay his respects to Carter and meet with Republican senators.