Man Arrested With Gun At U.S. Capitol Barricade

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Mississippi man was arrested Monday after U.S. Capitol Police officers spotted a handgun in his vehicle as he stopped at a security barricade outside the U.S. Capitol, authorities said.

According to the U.S. Capitol Police, the incident occurred at about 11:22 a.m. Monday, when a man driving a rented Ford Bronco pulled up to the North Barricade on Constitution Avenue and asked an officer for directions to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The officer reportedly noticed a handgun resting on the driver's lap and immediately ordered him to raise his hands. Capitol Police officers quickly surrounded the SUV and took the driver into custody without incident.

Charges Filed After Brief Standoff

Police identified the driver as 67-year-old Wendell J. Royster, of Columbia, Mississippi.

Royster was arrested less than two minutes after arriving at the barricade, according to Capitol Police. He is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and possessing a firearm without a permit.

Capitol Police said firearms are prohibited on U.S. Capitol Grounds. Investigators also said Royster was not previously known to the department and that there does not appear to be any connection between him and members of Congress.

A dog found chained inside the rented Bronco was given water by Capitol Police officers before being turned over to animal control.

Royster's case will proceed through the District of Columbia court system.