A concerning security incident unfolded at the U.S. Capitol when a man carrying a concealed weapon managed to enter the premises despite triggering security alarms.
According to the New York Post, James Faber, 27, from Massachusetts, was arrested outside the Library of Congress after taking a Capitol tour while carrying a concealed 9mm handgun, despite earlier security screening that included magnetometer checks and a physical search.
The incident occurred the day after the presidential inauguration, raising serious concerns about Capitol security protocols. Faber had entered the Capitol Visitor Center through the south checkpoint at approximately 1:15 pm ET, where security measures failed to detect his concealed weapon despite the magnetometer sounding an alert.
The Capitol Police officer who conducted the initial hand search has been suspended pending an investigation into the security breach.
The incident has triggered a comprehensive review of security protocols and mandatory refresher training for screening personnel.
Capitol Police issued the following statement regarding the incident:
Thankfully nobody was hurt. The USCP 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.
Prior to the Capitol incident, law enforcement had already been alerted to potential concerns. The Secret Service and Washington, DC Metropolitan Police had interviewed Faber at a hotel regarding suicidal social media posts discussing his travel to the nation's capital.
The case has now been transferred to the U.S. Attorney's Office for further investigation. Faber faces multiple charges, including carrying a pistol without a license, resisting arrest, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Capitol Police successfully intercepted Faber as he was walking toward his car outside the Library of Congress, approximately one hour after his tour began. The arrest occurred while a lookout notice for him was active within the Capitol complex.
In an unusual coincidence, another individual sharing the same name but a different age was arrested in Illinois in July. The 51-year-old Chicago resident had been caught possessing loaded firearms while falsely claiming to be part of President Trump's security detail at the Republican National Convention.
The security breach occurred during a period of heightened security following the presidential inauguration. Capitol Police acted quickly to apprehend the armed suspect once he was identified outside the building.
James Faber's case highlights significant gaps in the Capitol's security screening process that allowed an armed individual to pass through multiple checkpoints. The incident has prompted immediate action from Capitol Police leadership to prevent similar security failures.
The suspended officer's actions and the effectiveness of current screening protocols will be thoroughly examined as part of the ongoing investigation. The case serves as a critical reminder of the continued importance of maintaining stringent security measures at one of the nation's most important government buildings.
