News Releases
This morning United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers made their 22nd gun related arrest this year.
At approximately 3:00 a.m., a USCP officer saw a Blue Honda Accord stopped in a crosswalk in the 500 block of South Capitol Street, SW – two blocks from the House Congressional Buildings.
The car remained stopped through multiple traffic light cycles without moving. The officer approached the driver who was asleep. The officer woke the driver and determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
This morning Maryland State Police (MSP) charged United States Capitol Police (USCP) Officer Jared M. Lemon with 5 counts of Possession of Child Pornography. MSP arrested the 42 year old outside of his Maryland home just before 5:00 a.m.
The USCP learned about the investigation in December of 2022 and immediately revoked the officer's police powers and, while MSP was investigating the allegations, reassigned him to administrative duties where he would not interact with the public.
On Tuesday, July 4, A Capitol Fourth, an Independence Day concert will be broadcast live from the West Front of the United States Capitol on PBS at 8:00 p.m. EST and streaming online to honor our country's birthday. There is also a dress rehearsal on July 3. Both events are free and open to the public.
On July 3 and July 4, public access to the West Front opens at 3:00 p.m.
Prohibited Items, Security Measures, and Severe Weather
This afternoon, United States Capitol Police officials were working closely with our federal partners to monitor an unresponsive pilot who was flying an airplane near the National Capital Region. The U.S. Capitol Complex was briefly placed on an elevated alert until the airplane left the area.
On Sunday, May 28, the National Memorial Day Concert will be broadcast live from the West Front of the United States Capitol on PBS and streaming online to honor our servicemen and women, their families, and all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The gates will open at 5:00 p.m. for the public and the concert starts at 8:00 p.m.
Note:There is also a full dress rehearsal at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, that is open to the public. Gates open at 5:00 p.m.
Prohibited Items, Security Measures, and Inclement Weather
The United States Capitol Police (USCP) and the Fairfax City Police Department are investigating an assault at the Fairfax, Virginia, District Office of Representative Gerry Connolly.
The Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service will be held on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, May 15. This ceremony honors law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty. The Roll Call of Heroes read during the ceremony will honor the peace officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2022.
Street Closures & Bus Restrictions
This morning the United States Capitol Police (USCP) stopped an assault rifle, with an extended magazine, before it reached Capitol Hill.
Just after 5:00 a.m, a USCP screening team spotted the gun, which was partially wrapped in a blanket in the back seat of a large Ford pick-up truck. The rifle was confiscated at an off-site delivery facility where the Department inspects delivery vehicles before they get to Capitol Grounds.
The United States Capitol Police (USCP) confiscated an M-4 style "ghost gun" and a Glock handgun with a full auto switch (machine gun) while they were patrolling the perimeter of the Capitol Complex, near the Senate Parks.
The arrests were made a short walk from the Congressional Buildings and across the street from television studios Members of Congress frequently use.
On Tuesday, February 7, at 9:00 p.m., the President of the United States will deliver the State of the Union Address before a Joint Session of Congress. To ensure everyone's safety, the United States Capitol Police will temporarily close roads around the U.S. Capitol.
At 6:30 a.m., the following roads will be closed to the public: