Man arrested in Washington after guillotine found in truck near Capitol

U.S. Capitol Police arrested Philan-Tam-Duy Le, 35, of Julian, California, after officers spotted a large guillotine in the bed of his pickup truck parked near the Capitol building on Aug. 25. The vehicle was reported as illegally parked across from the Supreme Court, and Le was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon.

Police said Le had driven to Washington, D.C., from California, and investigators are reviewing his background to determine why he possessed the device. The incident occurred while Congress was in recess.

Le remained in custody the following morning and is scheduled to appear in Superior Court. It was not immediately known whether he has retained legal counsel.

"The guillotine was likely a symbol of disapproval," said Kelvin Le, the suspect's brother, adding that his sibling was dissatisfied with the political climate and expressed dislike for President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom. He said he did not believe his brother intended to harm anyone.