On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 44-year-old Mel J. Horne of Washington, D.C., attempted to enter the Capitol Visitor Center while carrying a machete and three other knives. He placed two pocket knives and a box cutter into the security screening tray, triggering further scrutiny. A subsequent search of his bag revealed the machete. Horne claimed he was at the Capitol to attend former President Jimmy Carter’s lying in state and that the blades were for landscaping work. However, authorities noted the snowy conditions and declared snow emergency, questioning the veracity of his explanation. Horne then admitted to being homeless and carrying the weapons habitually. He was arrested but later released under conditional pre-trial release following a hearing in D.C.’s Superior Court.
This incident occurred on the same day former President Donald Trump was visiting the Capitol to pay his respects to President Carter. While there is no apparent connection between Horne’s actions and Trump’s visit, the coincidence heightened security concerns. Horne’s arrest underscores the vigilance of Capitol Police in maintaining security, especially during high-profile events. Chief J. Thomas Manger commended the officers’ attentiveness, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring the safety of the Capitol grounds.
Horne’s background reveals a troubled past. Court records from a 2022 civil case show that his parents had sought a court order to remove him from their home due to his alleged drug use and violent behavior. His mother, Brenda Horne, claimed in the complaint that he was using PCP and had become increasingly aggressive, prompting her to seek assistance from community resource officers. While the case was ultimately dismissed without prejudice, Horne agreed to stay away from the property for a year, with an exception allowing him to return solely for the purpose of tending to his bonsai trees.
The incident report from Horne’s arrest identifies him as a prior felon, though the specifics of his previous conviction remain unclear. Records indicate a prior incarceration in 2019; however, details regarding that case are not readily available. The present charges against Horne include multiple counts of carrying a dangerous weapon. This incident raises concerns about the potential risks posed by individuals with a history of legal and personal struggles, particularly when they have access to weapons.
In a separate incident occurring later the same day, Capitol police arrested 35-year-old Adrian J. Hinton of Virginia for allegedly attempting to set a car on fire near the Grant Memorial. Authorities have stated that there is no apparent connection between the two incidents. Importantly, neither arrest disrupted the memorial services for former President Carter. This underscores the effectiveness of law enforcement in managing security while simultaneously allowing planned events to proceed without interruption.
The convergence of these events highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by the Capitol Police. While Horne’s motivations remain unclear, his attempt to bring weapons into the Capitol Visitor Center serves as a reminder of the importance of constant vigilance and thorough security procedures. The fact that this incident occurred on the same day as a presidential visit further emphasizes the need for robust security measures to protect both dignitaries and the public. The separate incident involving Hinton underscores the diverse range of security threats that law enforcement must address on a daily basis.
