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A U.S. Capitol Police officer has been suspended after allowing a man with a concealed handgun to enter the Capitol Visitor Center on Tuesday (January 21). The man, identified as 27-year-old James A. Faber from Massachusetts, was later arrested after exiting the Library of Congress. Capitol Police discovered a small 9mm handgun concealed in his waistband.
According to a statement from the U.S. Capitol Police, Faber had been flagged earlier due to reported mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. Despite this, he managed to pass through the south checkpoint of the Capitol Visitor Center, where the metal detector sounded an alarm. An officer conducted a secondary hand search but allowed Faber to proceed into the building.
The officer's actions are under investigation by the Capitol Police Office of Professional Responsibility. The department has ordered a full review of the incident and mandated refresher training on security screening to prevent future occurrences.
Faber faces multiple charges, including carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and resisting arrest. The U.S. Attorney's Office is handling the prosecution.
House lawmakers overseeing the Capitol Police expressed disappointment in the security breach and have called for a comprehensive review of visitor screening practices. They emphasized the need to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
Fortunately, no one was harmed during the incident, and there is no indication that Faber intended to harm Congress.