Charges have been issued against a Georgia man who illegally parked a van containing multiple unlicensed weapons near the U.S. Capitol building. Around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, Capitol police arrived on the scene where a small white transit van was allegedly illegally parked. They subsequently closed down neighboring streets to investigate and clear it.
Police found a handgun, a shotgun, a rifle, a machete, a homemade device and a box of ammunition inside the vehicle. Tony Payne, 80, of Georgia, now faces three charges for having an unregistered firearm and ammunition, and carrying without a license.
One of the men told us he had guns in the van. The officers found three guns– two handguns and a shotgun. Weapons are prohibited on Capitol Grounds.
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) October 19, 2022
Payne claimed he is a disabled veteran and had no malicious intent with the firearms, and was there to help a friend file some paperwork with the Supreme Court. Payne was later released on his own recognizance — with a “stay-away” order from Capitol grounds. His next scheduled court appearance is set for Nov. 2. The other two passengers, Payne’s grandson and his friend, were not charged.