In a bold and decisive action, Capitol Police arrested a man attempting to enter the Capitol Visitors Center armed with a machete and three knives.

The incident, which unfolded just after 2:00 p.m. at the north entrance of the facility, led to a temporary halt in security screening operations. The suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed, faces multiple charges as authorities investigate his motives and any potential threats, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

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

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Capitol Police issued a statement detailing the arrest:
“During security screening at the CVC’s north doors, our officers spotted a machete in the man’s bag, stopped the x-ray machine, arrested the man, and secured the machete. Three knives were also found in the bag, along with the machete. Security screening was temporarily stopped at the north side of the Capitol Visitor Center while we investigated. The man is being arrested for multiple charges of Carrying a Dangerous Weapon. We will provide more information once it is available.”

This alarming event recalls a similar incident from last year. In December 2023, Capitol Police arrested 23-year-old Jose Leonardo Marquez, an illegal alien from Venezuela, on Capitol grounds.

Officers grew suspicious of Marquez after observing him pacing back and forth before sitting on a ledge near the U.S. Capitol. When approached, Marquez revealed a brick and a knife, which he voluntarily placed aside. However, officers soon discovered the handle of a machete hidden under his clothing.

Capitol Police described the scene:
“At approximately 4:15 p.m., a USCP officer saw a man pacing back and forth, then sit down on a ledge on the east side of the U.S. Capitol. After witnessing the man’s strange behavior, the officer approached the man. After speaking with him for a few minutes, the officer noticed a brick in the man’s pocket. The officer asked him to toss the brick to the side. After he complied, the man also pulled out a knife and placed the knife on the ledge. The officer called for backup and secured the knife. Then the officer noticed the handle of a machete under the man’s clothing. The officer drew his service weapon and ordered the man to put his hands up. The man complied, and officers were able to safely take the machete away from the man and make the arrest.”

Marquez was charged with Carrying a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon. ICE later revealed he had been apprehended by Border Patrol agents near El Paso in 2022 but was released due to overcrowding. He now faces removal proceedings.

The latest arrest underscores the vigilance of Capitol Police in safeguarding one of the nation’s most significant institutions. With investigations ongoing, officials are working to determine whether the suspect posed any specific threats or acted independently.

This developing story highlights the importance of stringent security measures, particularly in an era where such incidents are becoming disturbingly common.

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