WASHINGTON, D.C. - James A. Faber, a 27-year-old man from Massachusetts was arrested on Tuesday after he reportedly finished a U.S. Capitol tour and returned to his vehicle, all while carrying a loaded 9-millimeter handgun. The authorities revealed to reporters that they had received a "BOLO" (Be on the lookout) for the man citing reported mental health issues and a potential suicide risk.
As reported by Fox News, Officials with the U.S. Capitol Police confirmed that when Faber entered the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) security checkpoint and stepped through the facility’s metal detectors, they did alarm, resulting in an officer conducting a secondary search on the man. The unnamed officer did not spot the suspect’s handgun though and he was allowed to enter the Capital.
Faber completed the tour of the Capitol without incident and was spotted returning to his vehicle.
In a Tuesday Press Release, the USCP stated, “At approximately 1:15 p.m., USCP officers spotted the man’s car on First Street, near East Capitol Street, NE. Officers conducted a canvass of the area and discovered that the man had recently entered the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) and taken a Capitol tour. At approximately 2:15 p.m., the man was found leaving the Library of Congress, after the tour, and walking towards his car. He was stopped, searched, and arrested. A small 9mm handgun was discovered, concealed in his waistband.”
The Capitol Police noted the officer who conducted the hand-search of Faber has been suspended from duty and “the USCP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting an administrative investigation into the officer’s performance of that search.”
The agency added, “At this time, there is no indication that the man was coming to harm the Congress. Thankfully nobody was hurt.” Mandatory refresher training on security screening has already begun along with a full review of the incident the USCP said.
Faber was taken into custody and is facing charges including unlawful activities, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and resisting arrest according to the release.
