Capitol Police arrest man with weapons, ‘unauthorized’ credential
Police in Washington, D.C., on Friday arrested a Virginia man at a security checkpoint, saying he had an “unauthorized” inauguration credential, unregistered handguns and more than 500 rounds of ammunition, according to officials.
Wesley Allen Beeler, 31, of Front Royal, Virginia, was arrested shortly after 6:30 p.m. Friday after police found two unregistered Glock 9mm handguns, 509 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 21 12-gauge shotgun shells and one 17-round Glock 17 magazine, all in his truck, according to a police report.
At the time of the arrest, 1 mile northeast of the Capitol building, Beeler was accused of illegally carrying a concealed weapon outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of unregistered ammunition, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.
Beeler drove up to a security checkpoint and had decals on his truck reading “Assault Life” and “If they come for your guns, give ’em your bullets first,” according to an affidavit filed in D.C. Superior Court. He handed officers an “unauthorized” inauguration credential for the upcoming swearing in of President-elect Joe Biden.
Officers asked him to pull over for a further security check, according to the affidavit.
Officers asked if there was anything in the vehicle that would harm them, and Beeler said he had a handgun in the center console, according to the affidavit. They removed him from the truck and saw a gun in plain sight. Officers searched the truck and seized the guns and ammunition.
The Metropolitan Police Department provided a report of the incident to USA TODAY.