Felon Sex Offender with AR-15 Arrested at U.S. Capitol

Mainstream media quiet.

A tense encounter unfolded near the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday when Capitol Police subdued and arrested Ahmir Lavon Merrell, 21, from Atlanta, after he was spotted brandishing a firearm in a nearby park.

The mainstream media has chosen not to amplify the story, despite the ordeal occurring in the nation’s capital and involving a gun news outlets commonly demonize, the AR-15.

This raises questions about fairness and objectivity in broadcast journalism today.

The incident, occurring at approximately 12:40 p.m., initiated when an onlooker reported a man with a "long gun" in the vicinity of Union Station, according to The New York Post.

Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officials located Merrell and demanded he relinquish his weapon.

Noncompliance from Merrell prompted the officers to incapacitate him using a Taser.

Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger later identified the individual as a registered sex offender from Georgia, also noting that Merrell had an outstanding warrant for a probation violation.

Photographs captured during the arrest display Merrell attired in a beige tracksuit adorned with the "Boominati Worldwide" logo, a nod to the record label established by music producer Metro Boomin.

The area of the apprehension, positioned near three Senate office buildings just to the north of the Capitol, led to temporary road closures spanning about two hours while authorities inspected Merrell's possessions and the vicinity for potential threats.

During this period, Capitol denizens, including congressional members, staff, and journalists, were cautioned to steer clear of Upper Senate Park.

The advisory remained in place until bomb squad personnel concluded their examination of a backpack associated with Merrell around 3 p.m.

Fortunately, Chief Manger reported that the subsequent investigation did not indicate any persistent danger to the Capitol complex.

In the course of a press briefing, Manger acknowledged the possibility of underlying mental health issues influencing Merrell's actions, stating, “Based on our officers’ limited contact and limited conversation with Mr. Merrell, there is some indication that he may be dealing with some mental health issues, but we don’t know that.”

He further emphasized the uncertainty surrounding Merrell's motives, as the suspect had not disclosed why he was present at the park armed or his intentions.

The charges filed against Merrell include felonious possession of a firearm, possession of unregistered ammunition and firearm, absconding from justice, and engaging in illegal activities.

Chief Manger praised the swift actions of the Capitol Police and underscored the importance of public vigilance, saying, “‘See something, say something’ is not just an empty slogan. We are grateful for the individual who alerted our officer to the man with a gun in the park.”

He expressed admiration for his officers' courage, highlighting their readiness to confront potential threats, “These cops immediately ran toward the man with the loaded gun. As always — I am proud of our cops.”

The incident underscores the stringent firearms laws in Washington, D.C., where public gun carrying is prohibited and Capitol grounds are a firearm-free zone.

The U.S. Capitol Police have reported confiscating over 30 firearms this year, reflecting their ongoing commitment to the safety of the nation's legislative center, The Post notes.