Reports from Washington indicate that a Maryland man has been arrested for attempting to bring an unregistered firearm, commonly known as a “ghost gun,” into a House office building. This incident marks the latest in a series of firearms-related arrests on Capitol Hill this year.
Jason White, age 35, allegedly tried to pass through a security checkpoint at the Cannon House Office Building with the weapon in his bag. The firearm was detected by standard metal detectors at approximately 8:30 AM on June 24th, while the House was in session.
The firearm lacked a serial number, a characteristic feature of so-called “ghost guns.” These weapons, typically assembled from kits, present a challenge for law enforcement due to their untraceable nature. The evidence suggests that the gun in question had a barrel length of less than 12 inches and was fully operational.
White reportedly told officers that he had forgotten the gun was in his bag. The significance of this claim should not be overlooked, as it raises important questions about firearm awareness and security protocols. It has been reported that White does not possess a valid license to carry a firearm in Washington, D.C., and his Maryland permit has expired.
This arrest is part of a concerning trend. Capitol Police records indicate that there have been more than 20 arrests for unlawful firearms possession on Capitol grounds so far this year, already surpassing the total of 18 such arrests for all of 2023.
The situation remains under investigation, and White now faces felony charges. His legal representation has declined to comment at this time. As always, this story underscores the ongoing debate surrounding gun control and security measures in our nation’s capital.