United States Capitol Police arrested a 67-year-old Mississippi man on July 13, 2026, after he drove a rented Ford Bronco to the North Barricade of the U.S. Capitol and asked an officer for directions to the U.S. Supreme Court while a handgun was visible in his lap.
Police identified the suspect as Wendell J. Royster of Columbia, Mississippi. He arrived at the North Barricade on Constitution Avenue at 11:22 a.m. and asked a Capitol Police officer for directions to the Supreme Court. After spotting the handgun, the officer ordered Royster to raise his hands as additional officers surrounded the vehicle and took him into custody.
According to a Capitol Police news release, the arrest occurred “without incident” within two minutes of the SUV arriving at the barricade.
Video obtained by CNN showed six officers surrounding the gray Ford Bronco Sport, with two aiming their weapons as Royster exited the vehicle with his hands raised, walked backward and was handcuffed.
Royster was charged with carrying a pistol without a license and carrying a pistol without a permit.
Capitol Police said Royster was not previously known to the agency and that “currently, there does not appear to be a nexus to the Congress.” Investigators said they do not believe the incident was connected to Congress.
The SUV, which displayed Florida license plates, remained surrounded by officers as they searched the vehicle. A dog found chained inside was given water before being turned over to animal control.
Firearms restrictions on Capitol grounds
Federal law and Capitol Police regulations prohibit firearms, dangerous weapons and explosive devices on Capitol grounds and inside Capitol buildings unless specifically authorized.
The agency has repeatedly emphasized that the restriction also applies to people who legally possess firearms under permits issued by other states. Violations can result in arrest, fines, imprisonment and confiscation of the weapon.
The restrictions have remained under heightened scrutiny since the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol as security officials continue evaluating threats to lawmakers, staff and visitors.
Pattern of recent weapons incidents near the Capitol
Arrest is the latest in a series of weapons-related incidents near the Capitol.
In February, federal prosecutors charged an 18-year-old Georgia man who allegedly ran toward the Capitol carrying a loaded shotgun while wearing tactical-style gear. Capitol Police recovered the shotgun, which contained eight rounds, along with additional ammunition. The suspect reportedly told officers he wanted to speak with a member of Congress.
In July 2025, Capitol Police arrested a 23-year-old Oregon man near the North Barricade after officers investigating a suspicious vehicle recovered a cache of weapons, including a rifle, handgun, ammunition, multiple knives, axes, a sword and a bow and arrow.
Earlier in 2025, Capitol security also came under scrutiny after authorities arrested a visitor accused of bringing a concealed handgun into the complex and a congressional staffer whose loaded firearm was discovered during a bag screening at a House office building.
