Capitol Police detained a man who was attempting to enter the U.S. Capitol on Friday after discovering a hammer in his backpack.
According to a press release from Capitol Police, Christopher Snow, 33, was undergoing screening at the Capitol Visitor Center on Friday afternoon. When a police officer noticed the hammer in his bag as it passed through an x-ray machine and attempted further inspection, Snow became combative.
The Capitol Police release stated that after the officers tried to stop Snow, a struggle ensued and they had to use a Taser to subdue him and take him into custody. They then found a hammer inside his bag.
Capitol Police Captain Andrew Pecher mentioned in the release that the officers acted according to their training to prevent the man from entering the U.S. Capitol.
He also commended the officer who spotted the hammer and the others who swiftly apprehended the suspect.
Officials reported that Snow is facing charges for assaulting a police officer.
The incident occurred within two months of the Capitol Police reporting they investigated over 8,000 threats to members of Congress last year. announced Assistant Chief Ashan Benedict emphasized that the upcoming year is expected to be very demanding for their special agents due to political events, member campaigns, and various issues being debated on Capitol Hill.
He stated that their team is committed to dedicating all their resources to safeguarding the Congress while expanding to meet their growing responsibilities.
