United States Capitol Police (USCP) arrested a 67-year-old Mississippi man, Wendell J. Royster, at the North Barricade on Constitution Avenue on Monday, July 13, 2026. The arrest occurred after an officer noticed a handgun in Royster's lap while he was asking for directions to the Supreme Court. Firearms are prohibited on Capitol Grounds.
Authorities took Royster into custody without incident within two minutes of his arrival. The North Barricade was temporarily closed during the investigation, and a dog chained inside Royster's rented Ford Bronco was provided with water by officers until animal control arrived. No injuries or broader threats were reported.
Royster faces charges for carrying a pistol without a license or permit. Capitol Police stated they are investigating his motives for driving to the Capitol. The incident occurred the same day the Senate resumed session after a break.
Security concerns for politicians have increased, with USCP reporting a nearly 60 percent rise in threatening communications against lawmakers from 2024 to 2025. The Supreme Court has also requested increased funding for security, with Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan scheduled to testify to Congress the following day. Barrett was nearly targeted in a swatting scheme in May, and Justice Brett Kavanaugh was the subject of a murder plot in 2022.
The incident falls on the anniversary of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, during the 2024 presidential election cycle. Last year, House members pushed for enhanced personal security provisions, including assigning armed guards to each congressperson.