A person was arrested outdoors the Capitol in Washington, D.C. after he was discovered to have a knife and machete on his particular person. Capitol Police issued a press release Wednesday on the arrest, saying an officer observed the person performing “strange” 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 observed the deal with of a machete underneath the person’s clothes.
Police recognized the person as “23 year old Jose Leonardo Marquez of no fixed address.” Police stated there was no proof he was concentrating on any members of Congress. The Home and Senate are on break for the vacations with the Senate holding pro-forma sessions till January 8, with the Home out till January 9.
Capitol Police posted a photo of the blades:
USCP Officers Arrest Man with Machete & Knife outdoors 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.
“This is another example of the vigilance and strong intuition of our USCP officers,” stated U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger. “I am proud of our cops who routinely work to keep everyone around the U.S Capitol safe.”
On Tuesday, at roughly 4:15 p.m., a USCP officer noticed a person pacing backwards and forwards, then sit down on a ledge on the east facet of U.S. Capitol. After witnessing the person’s unusual habits the officer approached the person. After talking with him for a couple of minutes, the officer observed a brick within the man’s pocket. The officer requested him to toss the brick to the facet. 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 observed the deal with of a machete underneath the person’s clothes. The officer drew his service weapon and ordered the person to place his fingers up. The person complied and officers had been in a position to safely take the machete away from the person and make the arrest.
The suspect has been recognized as 23 12 months outdated Jose Leonardo Marquez of no fastened deal with.
Whereas the investigation continues, it’s not but clear what Marquez was doing in Washington, D.C. Right now, there isn’t a proof that Marquez was concentrating on Members of Congress. To this point he’s being charged with Carrying a Harmful Weapon and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.
Final month on November 7 Capitol Police announced 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 realm of the park close to Delaware Avenue and Columbus Circle, NE. The officer known as for backup, which shortly 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 might take the gun and make the arrest. The park was quickly closed whereas investigators searched the realm and the suspect’s belongings.
The suspect has been recognized as 21 12 months outdated Ahmir Lavon Merrell of Atlanta, GA. Police data 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. To this point he’s being charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unregistered Ammunition, Unregistered Firearm, Fugitive from Justice, and Illegal Actions.
