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Capitol Police Arrest Suspect Outside Senate Office Building in Alleged Threat to Kill Lawmaker

Officers recognized Richard Griffin from an October 28 threat bulletin, intercepting him before security screening.

Overview

  • U.S. Capitol Police took 43-year-old Richard Griffin of Pennsylvania into custody around 12:30 p.m. at the Delaware Avenue entrance to the Russell Senate Office Building.
  • Griffin was charged with threats to do bodily harm after allegedly threatening to kill a member of Congress.
  • The USCP Rapid Response Team identified him from a Threat Assessment Section bulletin issued on Oct. 28 and stopped him before he could approach the screening area.
  • Authorities have not identified the lawmaker who was allegedly targeted or disclosed whether any weapon was found.
  • Officials say Griffin has a history of emailing a congressional office and other government or law-enforcement entities, as USCP leaders underscored zero tolerance and praised officer vigilance during what they describe as a heightened threat environment.