Man With Gun Gets Into US Capitol

US Capitol building with American flag and columns

(DCWatchdog.com) – In a disturbing development, a Massachusetts man has managed to breach the U.S. Capitol’s security with a concealed weapon, igniting a debate over the effectiveness of current protocols.

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Discovered outside the Library of Congress, this incident exposes glaring weaknesses, with Congress now pushing for heightened visitor screenings.

James A. Faber, 27, was detained at the Capitol after it became evident he had bypassed security with a concealed 9mm handgun.

Authorities charged him with several offenses, including carrying a pistol without a license and resisting arrest.

Capitol Police officers first became alert to Faber due to concerning social media posts indicating suicidal ideations, ABC News reports.

Despite going through multiple levels of security, Faber managed to gain entry into the Capitol Visitor Center without raising significant suspicions.

Initial magnetometer screenings alarmed, yet, “an officer performed a secondary hand search, and the man was let into the building.”

This lapse in protocol has prompted significant concern among lawmakers and public safety officials.

“[The U.S. Capitol] demands the highest standards when it comes to screening visitors, so a full review of this incident has already been ordered, as well as mandatory refresher training on security screening, so this never happens again,” the Capitol police said.

Further investigation reveals the U.S. Secret Service and Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police had already interviewed Faber at a hotel.

Initially, no weapon was found, highlighting a disturbing oversight in intelligence gathering and inter-agency communication.

Capitol Police eventually discovered Faber outside the Library of Congress, reinforced by security footage that confirmed his presence near East Capitol Street.

In response, a Capitol Police officer involved in the failed secondary screening has been suspended pending an administrative investigation.

There’s a growing consensus for a more stringent screening process to avoid a recurrence of such security breaches.

“The officer is suspended while the USCP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting an administrative investigation into the officer’s performance of that search,” stated a police spokesperson.

With Faber’s case now in the hands of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, lawmakers have been briefed on the incident, emphasizing the need for revamped security measures.

Though Capitol Police reported no immediate threat to Congress, this incident stresses the importance of maintaining vigilant and robust security protocols to protect the nation’s legislative hub.

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