Man accused of threatening to kill member of Congress arrested steps from Senate building
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In a swift and decisive action on Tuesday, U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) apprehended a man accused of making life-threatening remarks towards a member of Congress, mere steps away from a Senate office building.

Richard Griffin, a 43-year-old from Pennsylvania, found himself in custody under charges of threatening to inflict bodily harm, following allegations that he intended to kill a congressional representative.

The arrest unfolded around 12:30 p.m., when the USCP Rapid Response Team, vigilant and prepared, identified Griffin based on a bulletin that the USCP’s Threat Assessment Section had circulated on October 28.

A Capitol Police officer stands guard outside the U.S. Capitol building with the Washington Monument in the background.

Acting with precision, officers detained Griffin right outside a Senate building in Washington, D.C., ensuring that he was intercepted before he could attempt to breach the security screening at the Delaware Avenue entrance of the Russell Senate Office Building.

Police said Griffin was stopped before he could attempt to go through security screening at the Delaware Avenue door of the Russell Senate Office Building.

“We will not tolerate any threats to the Members of Congress, their families, or staff,” USCP Chief Michael Sullivan wrote 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.”

Capitol building, police car

The U.S. Capitol Police Rapid Response Team recognized Griffin from a BOLO issued Oct. 28. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

Griffin has a history of emailing a Congressional office and various government officials and law enforcement agencies, according to officials.

“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 wrote in a statement. “We are all proud of the work they do around the clock to keep the Congressional community safe.”

A patch for a United States Capitol Police Officer

It is unclear if the suspect had any weapons at the time of his arrest. (U.S. Capitol Police)

It is unclear which member of Congress was threatened or whether Griffin had any weapons at the time of his arrest.

USCP did not immediately respond to additional inquiries from Fox News Digital.

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