San Diego man arrested near Supreme Court with guillotine in truck

U.S. Capitol Police arrested a 35-year-old man from San Diego County on Tuesday on suspicion of carrying a dangerous weapon after a guillotine was discovered in the back of his black pickup truck parked near the Supreme Court building on East Capitol Street. The suspect, identified as Philan-Tam-Duy Le, traveled from his hometown of Julian, California, to Washington, D.C., before being taken into custody.

Le’s older brother, Kelvin Le, a production planner in Vista, said he recognized the vehicle in police photographs and described his sibling as a frequent road-tripper who funded his travels by working as a tattoo artist and crafting jewelry. He added that the guillotine was likely intended as a “symbol of disapproval” and expressed confidence that his brother would not harm anyone.

Authorities said the pickup was illegally parked in the 100 block of East Capitol Street, an area that also houses the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress. Capitol Police are reviewing Le’s background to determine why he came to the capital and what, if any, political motivations were involved.

Le’s family noted that he has expressed general dissatisfaction with the political climate, disliking both major parties and specific leaders, but has not articulated particular policy grievances.