U.S. Capitol Police Arrest Armed Man at North Security Barricade

U.S. Capitol Police arrested a 67-year-old man at the north security barricade on Constitution Avenue Northeast shortly before noon on Monday after an officer spotted a handgun on his lap. The suspect, identified as Mr.

Royster of Columbia, Mississippi, drove a rented Ford Bronco with Florida license plates to the checkpoint bordering the Senate side of the Capitol. He asked an officer for directions to the U.S. Supreme Court, one block away.

Officers then surrounded the gray SUV and took him into custody without incident. Police charged Mr. Royster with carrying a pistol without a license or permit. Firearms are prohibited on Capitol grounds regardless of any valid license.

Investigators said they do not believe he was targeting Congress. The north barricade was closed during the investigation and reopened later Monday afternoon. Animal control officers removed a dog chained inside the vehicle and transported it in an SPCA van.

The Ford Bronco was towed from the scene. U.S. Capitol Police said investigators continue to examine why the man drove to the Capitol.