US Capitol Police arrested a 23-year-old homeless man on Tuesday after officers caught him with a knife, a brick and a machete outside the seat of the US legislative branch.
Jose Leonardo Marquez was charged with one count of carrying a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon, according to a Capitol Police statement today.
There is no evidence that Marquez targeted members of Congress, who are on year-end vacation, and it is unclear what he was doing in the capital, authorities added.
“This is another example of the vigilance and strong intuition of our USCP officers,” Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said in a statement.
“I am proud of our police who routinely work to keep everyone around the US Capitol safe.”
Marquez was seen pacing before sitting on a bank on the east side of the Capitol, near a traffic barrier, at about 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, investigators said.
Congress was away on winter break when the 23-year-old homeless man was arrested. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Marquez’s actions caught the attention of a Capitol Police officer, who spoke with the man for a few seconds before noticing a brick in his pocket.
After Marquez obeyed orders to throw the brick aside, he pulled out a knife and placed it on the curb, prompting the officer to call for backup.
At that point, investigators said, the officer saw a machete under Marquez’s clothing.
Police ordered the suspect to raise his hands, allowing other officers to retrieve the weapon and make the arrest.
Tom Manger becomes Capitol Police chief on July 23, 2021. CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
The incident marks the second time in as many months that a man has been caught carrying a dangerous weapon near the Capitol.
On November 7, Georgian Ahmir Merrell was arrested while carrying a gun outside the Senate office building.
Members of the Dewan Rakyat are set to reconvene on 9 January 2024, while the Dewan Negara is scheduled to hold a vote on 8 January 2024.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
