Man with axe arrested near US Capitol

Authorities in Washington D.C. apprehended a 35-year-old man found with a full-sized axe in his pickup truck parked near the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court buildings. The man, Philan-Tam-Duy Le, was taken into custody and charged with carrying a dangerous weapon.

Le's pickup truck was illegally parked on a street close to the federal buildings when officers arrested him. Police stated they confiscated the axe, though it was unclear if it was functional. Le, who is from Julian, California, had driven to the capital, according to law enforcement.

Investigators are examining the suspect's background to determine his reasons for traveling to Washington. Le's older brother told the Los Angeles Times that the axe was likely intended as a "symbol of disapproval." He explained that his brother was not a supporter of either major U.S. political party and disliked both President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom. The brother added, "I don't think he would hurt anyone."