WATERLOO – After U.S. Capitol Police discovered a suspicious van parked illegally within a short distance from the Supreme Court Building on Wednesday, an 80-year-old Georgia man was taken into custody.
On suspicious vehicle near the Capitol/SCOTUS. Canine unit picked up something on vehicle in question. There is a concern about weapons in the vehicle. Fox is told at least two persons are in custody. Developing
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) October 19, 2022
Chad Pergham, a senior congressional correspondent for FOX News, claims that the Capitol Police K-9 Unit discovered anything suspicious inside the car that was parked in the 100 block of East Capitol Street.
Two men and one woman were held, according to U.S. Capitol police, after they said they were in the area to give paperwork to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Officers discovered three firearms—two handguns and a shotgun—after the driver, 80-year-old Tony H. Payne of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, was alleged to have admitted the car was armed. Since all weapons are forbidden on Capitol grounds, Payne was taken into custody.
Our officers responded to 100 block of East Capitol Street for a suspicious vehicle. Please stay away from the area.
Information is preliminary, so please follow this account for the latest confirmed information. pic.twitter.com/cLO0ikiHMo
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) October 19, 2022
Later on, the USCP Hazardous Incident Response Division searched the van and cleared it after discovering a pipe and containers inside.
Payne was accused with possessing an unlicensed firearm, unregistered ammo, and illegally carrying a pistol.
During the investigation, the Library of Congress had to be evacuated, and authorities shut down a number of streets close to Capitol Hill, including Second Street between Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street between First and Third Street.
