A California man was taken into police custody after driving cross-country with a wooden guillotine standing in the back of his pickup truck.
Suspect spotted near Capitol and Supreme Court
Officers from the United States Capitol Police spotted the vehicle illegally parked along the 100 block of East Capitol Street, steps from the U.S. Capitol building and Supreme Court.
Authorities identified the driver as 35-year-old Philan-Tam-Duy Le of Julian, California.
Arrest made for carrying a dangerous weapon
Police seized the large wooden execution device and took Le into custody. Officers confirmed that he was arrested for “carrying a dangerous weapon” due to possessing the wooden structure.
Police photos showed the guillotine sitting fully assembled and upright in the truck bed stretching high into the surrounding tree line.
Motives under active investigation
Authorities noted that the suspect completed a 2,500-mile drive from California to Washington, D.C.
Officials stated, “USCP investigators are going through the suspect’s background to learn more about why he came to Washington, DC.”
Family speaks out on symbolism
Social media posts tied to the suspect showed him carrying the guillotine outside FBI headquarters earlier that afternoon with the caption “Guillotine adventures” and “Capitol Hill next.”
Speaking to reporters, the suspect’s brother, Kelvin Le, said the item was simply a “symbol of disapproval,” adding that his brother was unhappy with politicians across party lines. He noted, “I don’t think he’d hurt anyone.”
