Guillotine found in truck parked near U.S. Capitol; driver arrested
Driver identified and charged after guillotine found in truck parked near the Supreme Court; motive under investigation.
A 35-year-old man was arrested after authorities found a guillotine in the cargo area of his truck, which had been parked illegally yesterday near the Supreme Court building in Washington, close to the U.S. Capitol.
The driver was identified as Filan-Tam-Duy Le of Julian, California. Police charged him with carrying a dangerous weapon and confiscated the device; they did not say whether the guillotine was functional. Investigators say Le arrived in Washington from California and are now checking his background to determine why he came and why he transported the guillotine.
Officials searching for a motive
So far, authorities report no indication that Le threatened anyone or had a specific target in mind. The investigation remains ongoing as officers continue to interview witnesses and review the circumstances surrounding the vehicle's parking and the item's presence.
Le’s older brother, Kelvin Le, said the guillotine was likely intended as an expression of political dissatisfaction and added that he does not believe his brother would hurt anyone. According to the brother, Filan-Tam-Duy Le is unhappy with the state of U.S. politics, does not support either of the two major parties and is critical of both President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Police have not publicly confirmed a motive and officials say they are continuing background checks and other standard investigative steps while the case proceeds.
Photo: David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Profimedia
