Capitol Police Suspend Officer After Allowing Armed Visitor into Building
A visitor carrying a gun was able to access the Capitol Visitor Center and Library of Congress before being arrested.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) announced on Thursday that they had suspended an officer involved in a security lapse on Tuesday, allowing a man carrying a gun to enter the Capitol Visitor Center. The man, later identified as James Faber, was also able to access the Library of Congress before being arrested.
According to USCP, authorities had received a lookout for Faber on Tuesday, following reports of his mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. He was believed to be armed and in the area. Security footage later revealed that Faber entered the Capitol Visitor Center earlier in the day.
USCP's statement explained that, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Faber was located leaving the Library of Congress after a tour. Authorities stopped him as he walked toward his car, conducting a search that revealed a concealed 9mm handgun in his waistband.
The incident occurred after a magnetometer at the Capitol Visitor Center sounded, prompting a secondary hand search by an officer. However, the officer allowed Faber entry to the building despite the warning. As a result, the officer has been suspended while the USCP's Office of Professional Responsibility investigates the handling of the search.
Capitol Police emphasized that no harm came from the incident and there is no indication that Faber intended to harm members of Congress. USCP confirmed that security procedures would be reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authorities have charged Faber, 27, from Carlisle, Massachusetts. The U.S. Attorney's office is now handling his case. The Carlisle Police Department previously responded to a wellness check request for Faber on Monday. The department had issued a lookout alert after new concerns emerged, and officers had temporarily suspended his license to carry firearms, confiscating his weapons to ensure his safety and that of the community.
The incident is the second in recent weeks involving attempts to bring weapons into the Capitol. Earlier in January, a Washington, D.C. man was arrested after attempting to enter the Capitol while armed with a machete and three knives.
In response to Tuesday's breach, USCP announced that a "full review" of the security procedures would be conducted, and mandatory refresher training on screening protocols would be implemented to prevent similar errors in the future.