Report: Man Arrested In D.C. With 500 Rounds Of Ammo And Unauthorized Inaugural Credentials

Topline

Capitol Police arrested a man trying to pass through a security checkpoint with a loaded handgun, more than 500 rounds of ammunition and non-government credentials to attend President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, according to multiple reports, as threats continue to swirl around the inauguration that is now less than 96 hours away.

Key Facts

The man, Wesley Allen Beeler, of Virginia, was arrested in downtown Washington on Friday when he pulled his truck up to a police checkpoint.

He was arrested for possession of unregistered firearm, possession of unregistered ammunition and carrying a pistol without a license, according to Capitol Police, with CNN reporting he had a loaded Glock semi-automatic pistol with 17 rounds in the chamber.

Beeler’s mother told The Washington Post he had been working a private security detail in D.C.

Strict lockdown procedures are in place for the inauguration, with the National Mall closed off to the public and in-person access to the event itself largely limited to lawmakers, media and invited guests.

The FBI is seeking tips relating to threats around the inauguration, as tech companies have moved to greatly limit access to social media platforms—like Parler—that were used to plan the Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6.

Chief Critics

News of the arrest has fueled further concern about the safety of Wednesday’s inauguration, with some suggesting that an outdoor convention at the Capitol should not even take place.

Big Number

20,000. That’s how many troops are expected to descend on Washington for Biden’s inauguration—more than the U.S. has in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

Key Background

Authorities are asking that travel to D.C. be avoided ahead of the inauguration. Along with the restrictions to the National Mall, Airbnb has canceled all reservations in the city during inauguration week in an effort to keep away potential rioters. Thirteen of the city’s Metro public transit stations are now into day two of a week of planned closures relating to the inauguration. 

Crucial Quote

“In light of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind. That is not what I stand for, and it is not what America stands for. I call on ALL Americans to help ease tensions and calm tempers. Thank You,” President Donald Trump said in a statement. The impeached president plans to leave the White House Wednesday morning and will not attend Biden’s inauguration.

Further Reading

National Mall Now Closed Through Inauguration Day Amid Security Fears (Forbes)

Parler At Risk Of Going Offline After Bans From Amazon, Apple And Google (Forbes)

20,000 National Guard Troops Expected In D.C. For Biden’s Inauguration (Forbes)

Airbnb Just Canceled All DC Rentals For Next Week (Forbes)

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