US Capitol Police are investigating a complaint that Deputy Andy Harris, R-Md., Tried to shoot the floor of the house on Thursday, a department spokesman said.
During a vote in the House on Thursday afternoon, Harris was detained in security and immediately rejected. He briefly approached Dep. John Katko, RN.Y., of the elevators and may have discussed the gun with Katko, according to a report by HuffPost.
“A security officer present saw a firearm in Mr Harris’ person and passed it on to his superiors,” a Capitol official told NBC News. “To be clear, Mr Harris did not enter the floor.”
The metal detectors were put in place by spokeswoman Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., After the January 6 deadly riot on Capitol Hill. They became a critical point among some Republican members and, at times, created tension with the police.
Some Republican members are irritated by walking through magnetometers and submitting to hand wands. In a single door on Thursday, at least half a dozen avoided or passed by police, despite the threat of fines.
The Capitol official added that members of the Chamber are allowed to carry firearms “in the Capitol corridors and grounds, including the Capitol Building, but not the Floor”, adding that “the ammunition must be compartmentalized separately.”
Harris’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Alex Moe contributed.