The Slatest

Republican Aide Arrested With Unlicensed Handgun in Congressional Building

Rep. Marino, whose press secretary was arrested, in 2011.

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An aide to Republican Pennsylvania representative Tom Marino was arrested this morning after trying to bring a handgun through security into a House office building, Roll Call reports:

Ryan Shucard, the Pennsylvania Republican’s press secretary, was arrested around 9:15 a.m., according to Capitol Police spokeswoman Lt. Kimberly Schneider.

Shucard entered the southeast door of Cannon with the weapon. The Smith & Wesson 9mm and magazine were found during the search required for entry into the building, according to Schneider. People entering Cannon, including those with staff identification badges, like Shucard, are required to step through metal detectors and place bags on the belt of an X-Ray machine.

It’s not clear whether the magazine in Shucard’s possession was loaded. He is charged with carrying a pistol without a license, which is a felony. Guns in Washington D.C. must be registered with the police and cannot be carried in public in most situations.

In 2012 the National Rifle Association gave Rep. Marino an “A” grade for his positions on gun control.