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A California man faces arrest after U.S. Capitol Police found a guillotine in his pickup truck near the Supreme Court. Officers arrested Philan-Tam-Duy Le, 35, of Julian, California, on Tuesday. Police charged him with carrying a dangerous weapon.
Officers spotted Le’s pickup shortly after 3 p.m. ET on East Capitol Street. The truck stood illegally parked near the Supreme Court and the U.S. Capitol. Police then discovered the massive guillotine in the truck bed.
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Guillotine Arrest Near the Supreme Court
Capitol Police released photographs showing the large guillotine inside the pickup truck. Authorities said Le drove from California to Washington, DC, before the arrest.
Investigators are now examining Le’s background and his reasons for traveling to the nation’s capital. Police have not announced any specific threat connected to the guillotine.
The arrest happened while Congress remains in recess. Therefore, lawmakers were not at the Capitol when police detained Le.
Still, the incident comes amid growing concerns about threats against members of Congress. Capitol Police reported nearly 15,000 concerning statements, behaviors, and communications in 2025.
That figure marked a rise of more than 57 percent from 2024. The cases involved lawmakers, their families, congressional staff, and the Capitol complex.
Brother Calls Guillotine a Symbol
Le’s brother, Kelvin Le, offered an explanation for the unusual object. He told the Los Angeles Times that the guillotine represented a “symbol of disapproval.”
According to Kelvin Le, his brother expressed frustration with both major U.S. political parties. He also disliked President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Kelvin Le said he did not believe his brother intended to hurt anyone. He also said the arrest surprised him.
Meanwhile, CNN has been unable to reach Le for comment. Authorities have not disclosed whether he made any threats during the incident.
Recent Capitol Security Arrest
The guillotine arrest follows another weapons-related incident at the Capitol. Last month, police arrested a man near the Capitol’s north barricade.
Officers said that man carried a handgun, which remains prohibited on Capitol grounds. The incidents highlight continued security concerns around federal government buildings.
For now, investigators continue reviewing Le’s background and his trip from California. They have not publicly identified a broader motive.
The U.S. Capitol guillotine arrest has drawn attention because of the unusual weapon involved. It also comes during heightened concern over threats against government officials.
