Mississippi Man Arrested With Gun Near U.S. Capitol

National News - A Mississippi man is facing a weapons charge after he drove straight up to a barricade at the U.S. Capitol with a handgun sitting on his lap.

The incident happened Monday, July 13, at 11:22 a.m. The man drove a rented Ford Bronco to the North Barricade on Constitution Avenue. He pulled up and asked a U.S. Capitol Police officer for directions to the U.S. Supreme Court.

That simple question quickly turned serious. The officer noticed a handgun on the man's lap and immediately ordered him to raise his hands. Within moments, a full team of Capitol Police officers surrounded the SUV.

The driver was taken into custody without incident. The entire encounter, from the moment he pulled up to the barricade to his arrest, lasted less than two minutes. No one was hurt, and no shots were fired.

Police identified the driver as 67-year-old Wendell J. Royster of Columbia, Mississippi. He is charged with Carrying a Pistol without a License and No Permit. All weapons, of any kind, are prohibited on Capitol Grounds.

Royster had no prior record with U.S. Capitol Police before this incident. Investigators say there is currently no indication his actions were connected to Congress or any lawmakers. The case remains under investigation.

Royster had a dog chained inside the Bronco during the arrest. Capitol Police officers gave the dog water while they waited for animal control to arrive and take over its care.

As of now, no additional details have been released about a possible motive. Capitol Police have not said whether more charges could follow. This remains a developing story.

Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.