Capitol Police Arrest Suspect For Allegedly Threatening Member Of Congress

U.S. Capitol Police officers arrested a Pennsylvania man Tuesday after he allegedly threatened to kill a sitting member of Congress.

At around 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 4, the department’s Rapid Response Team identified the suspect from a “be on the lookout” bulletin circulated by the Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section a week earlier, according to the press release. Officers intercepted the man before he reached the security checkpoint at the entrance of the Russell Senate Office Building.

The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Richard Griffin, faces charges of making threats to do bodily harm. Investigators said Griffin previously sent a series of emails to a congressional office, along with messages to government agencies and law enforcement entities.

“We will not tolerate any threats to the Members of Congress, their families, or staff,” United States Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan said in a statement. “Our officers, agents, and professional staff worked relentlessly to bring offenders to justice. We have a zero-tolerance stance when it comes to threats.”

Assistant Chief for Uniformed Operations Sean Gallagher said the arrest reflected the department’s vigilance amid ongoing security concerns.

“Today’s arrest is further evidence of the fact that our officers remain vigilant during this heightened threat environment,” Assistant Chief for Uniformed Operations Sean Gallagher said. “We are all proud of the work they do around the clock to keep the Congressional community safe.”