The U.S. Capitol Police on Thursday said a man who passed a security checkpoint with a handgun and toured the chamber was arrested and charged.

James A. Faber, 27, of Massachusetts was arrested Tuesday after police received an alert for a man with reported mental health issues and suicidal thoughts who was believed to be armed and in the area.  

Mr. Faber entered the Capitol Visitor Center so he could walk the halls of Congress. He was later arrested by officers as he made his way to his car after the tour concluded. Police found a 9 mm handgun tucked into his waistband, according to a release from Capitol Police.  

Upon entrance to the Capitol Visitor Center, Mr. Faber would have been required to go through a security checkpoint with metal detectors. Capitol Police noted that after the metal detectors went off on him, “an officer performed a secondary hand search, and the man was let into the building.” 

The officer involved with that search was suspended, Capitol Police said, while the department’s Office of Professional Responsibility investigates.

“At this time, there is no indication that the man was coming to harm the Congress. Thankfully nobody was hurt,” Capitol Police said. “The USCP demands the highest standards when it comes to screening visitors, so a full review of this incident has already been ordered, as well as mandatory refresher training on security screening, so this never happens again.” 

The Washington Times reached out to the Capitol Police for more information on the suspended officer. 

Mr. Faber was arrested for unlawful activities, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and resisting arrest.

• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.