A Virginia man was arrested at a Washington checkpoint near the Capitol with an “unauthorized” inauguration pass, a gun and more than 500 rounds of ammunition, according to Capitol Police.<\/p>\n
The suspect, identified as Wesley Allen Beeler, 31, was stopped at the checkpoint near Lower Senate Park about 6:30 p.m. Friday, an arrest report said. An unregistered gun and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were found inside the truck that was adorned with gun decals days ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, according to Capitol Police.<\/p>\n
Beeler, of Fort Royal, Virginia, allegedly presented an “unauthorized Inauguration credential” to a Capitol Police officer. They did not describe what sort of document he showed that raised suspicion.<\/p>\n
The arrest comes after the violent Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol where supporters of President Donald Trump and his unfounded claims of election fraud stormed the building in a violent siege that left five people dead and many more injured.<\/p>\n
The suspect’s Ford F-150 pickup displayed weapons-related stickers, including one that read, “Assault Life,” and another that said, “If they come for your guns Give ‘Em your bullets first,” police said.<\/p>\n
Beeler allegedly declared that he had a Glock handgun under an armrest, and a subsequent search found the nearly 550 rounds amount of ammunition and a loaded clip with 17 rounds, authorities said.<\/p>\n
He was booked on suspicion of carrying a weapon without a license, according to court documents.<\/p>\n
News of the arrest Saturday came as armed protesters were planning to descend on state capitals, including in St. Paul Minnesota and Austin, Texas.<\/p>\n
In Sacramento, California the California Highway Patrol was on tactical alert, which allows for longer shifts, in preparation for inauguration-related protests.<\/p>\n
No incidents or arrests have been reported.<\/p>\n
President-elect Joe Biden is scheduled to be sworn in on Wednesday at the Capitol.<\/p>\n