Law Enforcement Personnel

Firearms are prohibited in the District of Columbia and on U.S. Capitol Grounds even if someone has a carry permit from D.C. or another state. Failure to adhere to this law can result in arrest, fine, and/or imprisonment, as well as the confiscation and/or destruction of the item. For a list of prohibited items within the U.S. Capitol Complex, please visit here.

Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)/agents, who are engaged in the performance of their official duties and meet certain established criteria, may be admitted into a building on the U.S. Capitol Complex with a firearm. In such instances where a LEO/agent’s duties require their presence on Capitol Hill for official business, please contact Special Events at (202) 224-8891 prior to coming to the U.S. Capitol Complex to determine if the visit meets the established criteria for caring a firearm. Further information and instructions will be provided at that time. 

All LEOs/agents seeking official access to the U.S. Capitol Complex must be in possession of their official credentials/badge, and will be verified with their agency. 

NOTE:  The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, H.R. 218, does not apply within Congressional Buildings or on U.S. Capitol Grounds. Therefore, retired law enforcement officers may not carry weapons on U.S. Capitol Grounds.

LEOs/agents not conducting official business and/or are attending a public event on Capitol Hill, are not permitted to bring their firearm on U.S. Capitol Grounds.