A 44-year-old homeless man was arrested at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center for attempting to enter with a machete and three other knives. The incident occurred shortly before former President Donald Trump arrived to pay respects to former President Jimmy Carter, who was lying in state.
The suspect, Mel J. Horne, claimed he was at the Capitol for Carter's memorial and intended to use the weapons for landscaping. However, authorities questioned his explanation due to the snowy weather and declared snow emergency. Horne later admitted he carries the weapons everywhere due to his homelessness.
Court records from a previous civil case reveal that Horne had been living with his parents until they sought a court order for his removal in 2022 due to his alleged drug use and violent behavior. The case was dismissed after Horne agreed to leave, with the exception of returning to care for bonsai trees on the property.
Horne's arrest did not disrupt the Carter memorial. Hours later, an unrelated arrest occurred when another man allegedly attempted to set a car on fire near the Grant Memorial. U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger commended the officers' vigilance in maintaining the safety of the Capitol grounds. Horne is now facing multiple charges for carrying a dangerous weapon.
