U.S. Capitol Police on Monday arrested an armed motorist at a security stop bordering the U.S. Senate.
Wendell J. Royster of Columbia, Mississippi, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license or a permit.
Firearms are also prohibited on Capitol grounds, even for persons with an otherwise valid license.
Shortly before noon on Monday, Mr. Royster, 67, drove a rented Ford Bronco to the north security barricade on Constitution Avenue Northeast that leads to the Senate side of the Capitol building.
He asked a Capitol Police office manning the barricade for directions to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is a block away.
The office noticed a handgun on Mr. Royster’s lap and ordered him to put his hands up. Capitol Police officers then surrounded the gray SUV and took Mr. Royster into custody without incident.
Police said they do not believe Mr. Royster was targeting Congress.
During the investigation, police temporarily shut down the north security barricade. The area was reopened later Monday afternoon before the Senate gaveled in for its brief fly-in day session.
Animal control was called to retrieve a dog chained inside the Ford Bronco.
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