Guillotine Seized Steps From Supreme Court

Capitol Police arrested a California man after spotting a working guillotine sitting in his pickup truck near the Supreme Court.

Story Highlights

United States Capitol Police seized a guillotine from a truck parked by the Supreme Court.
Officers arrested 35-year-old Philan-Tam-Duy Le on a dangerous weapon charge, police said.
Federal law bans carrying dangerous weapons on Capitol Grounds, which includes nearby streets.
Police often charge unusual items as “dangerous weapons” near the Capitol for public safety.

Police Describe A Swift Seizure Near The Supreme Court

United States Capitol Police said officers noticed a pickup truck along the 100 block of East Capitol Street shortly after 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Officers reported a guillotine in the truck bed. Police identified the driver as 35-year-old Philan-Tam-Duy Le of Julian, California. Officers arrested Le on a charge of carrying a dangerous weapon and seized the device at the scene, according to the agency’s written statement. Local television also reported the arrest and seizure based on police information.

Capitol Police said the truck was parked near the United States Supreme Court building, which sits within the Capitol Grounds security footprint. The agency framed the guillotine as a dangerous weapon under federal restrictions that apply in and around the Capitol complex. Officials did not announce any injuries. Officials did not release a motive. Reporting from national outlets matched the agency’s account of the location and the arrest details shared by police.

What Federal Law Says About Weapons On Capitol Grounds

Federal law bars people from carrying a firearm, dangerous weapon, explosive, or incendiary device on the Capitol Grounds unless authorized by regulation. That statute gives police room to act when they see an item that can cause serious harm, even if it is not a gun. The law aims to keep order and protect the public and institutions during daily business and high-profile events at the Capitol complex.

Capitol Police have applied this rule to many non-firearm items in past arrests, including blades and other unusual devices. The agency often lists charges such as carrying a dangerous weapon alongside unlawful activities when arrests occur near restricted areas. A prior police release detailed recovering swords and other edged weapons during a single stop, showing how broad items can fall under the rule when carried on or near the Capitol.

Why This Unusual Arrest Still Fits A Familiar Pattern

Unusual objects near the Capitol often draw swift action because context matters there. Police treat items that could injure people as weapons when brought close to federal buildings, busy sidewalks, or court entrances. That approach reflects lessons from recent years and aims to deter stunts that can turn dangerous fast. Local coverage noted the guillotine was assembled and visible, which increased concern and led to the quick arrest and seizure, according to police and media reports.

Police arrest a man after finding a guillotine near the US Capitol https://t.co/5ln9AE6qpz

— WBRC 6 News (@WBRCnews) August 26, 2026

The Trump administration supports public safety around core federal sites while respecting free speech and lawful assembly. This case shows how security rules target objects, not viewpoints. Near the Capitol, the line is clear: do not bring weapons of any kind, standard or strange. For families and workers who pass these buildings each day, firm but even enforcement helps keep order, lowers risk, and protects the institutions that defend our rights.