WASHINGTON — A 67-year-old Mississippi man was taken into custody Monday after United States Capitol Police officers approached his vehicle at the North Barricade and observed a handgun, officials said.
What happened at the North Barricade
Authorities identified the man as Wendell J. Royster of Columbia. Just before 11:30 a.m. on Monday, July 13, Royster drove a rented gray Ford Bronco to the North Barricade on Constitution Avenue and asked a Capitol Police officer for directions to the U.S. Supreme Court, according to a USCP statement. An officer noticed a handgun in Royster’s lap and ordered him to raise his hands. A team of officers surrounded the SUV and arrested Royster within minutes.
"Carrying a pistol without a license and no permit,"
Royster was charged with that single count. Investigators told reporters the arrest occurred within roughly two minutes of the vehicle stopping at the barricade.
Onlookers, a dog and the scene
Officers discovered a dog chained inside the SUV. They provided water at the scene and turned custody of the animal over to animal control, according to law enforcement accounts. The North Barricade was temporarily closed while officers searched the area and conducted their investigation.
- Time: Just before 11:30 a.m., Monday, July 13
- Location: North Barricade, U.S. Capitol, Constitution Avenue NW
- Vehicle: Rented gray Ford Bronco
- Arrestee: Wendell J. Royster, 67, of Columbia, Mississippi
- Charge: Carrying a pistol without a license and no permit
Local context and practical considerations
For Mississippians traveling to Washington, D.C., this incident underscores how quickly routine interactions with Capitol security can escalate when officers spot a firearm. Federal facilities, including the Capitol complex, enforce strict rules on weapons and permits. Visitors should be aware that local and federal laws on carrying firearms differ between states and the District of Columbia; failing to meet D.C. requirements can result in immediate arrest and federal questioning.
There was no indication from authorities that the incident was linked to congressional business or any planned demonstration. Law enforcement officials said the arrest was handled as a discrete security matter and the area was secured while they completed their work.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Wendell J. Royster, 67, Columbia, Miss. |
| Charge | Carrying a pistol without a license and no permit |
| Vehicle | Rented gray Ford Bronco |
| Time | Just before 11:30 a.m., July 13 |
Federal authorities will process the case through the U.S. Capitol Police system; additional charges could be considered depending on the outcome of their review. Mississippi officials were not listed as having commented on the incident in initial reports.
News Block will continue to monitor court filings and local records in Columbia for any updates on Royster's case and travel-related advisories for Mississippians visiting the Capitol complex.
