A Pennsylvania man was arrested this week after allegedly threatening to assassinate a sitting Democratic congressman.
U.S. Capitol Police say Richard Griffin, 43, was taken into custody Tuesday while attempting to enter the Russell Senate Office Building with a history of threats and a disturbing message directed at Congressman Robert Garcia of California, The Hill reported.
Griffin’s arrest came after a Capitol Police officer recognized him from an internal October 28 bulletin. He was reportedly intercepted as he tried to enter a Congressional facility, potentially averting a far more serious confrontation.
Suspect Identified After Attempted Capitol Access
According to law enforcement officials, Griffin had earlier contacted Congressman Garcia’s office, stating his alleged intention to travel to Washington, D.C. with deadly intent. The message was specific and serious enough to trigger an alert.
This wasn’t Griffin’s first disturbing engagement with government offices. Reports indicate he has previously emailed threats to congressional staff, law enforcement bodies, and various public officials.
What makes this incident especially concerning is that Griffin wasn’t just making empty threats from behind a keyboard — he physically showed up in D.C., attempting to get into a building that houses lawmakers and their staff.
Security Alert Prevents Potential Violence at Capitol
Capitol Police spotted Griffin outside one of the Senate office buildings and quickly moved to detain him. A Rapid Response Team member ID’d him on the spot, owing to the earlier bulletin about his threats.
Thankfully, Congressman Garcia was not in Washington at the time. His spokesperson confirmed he was in California and unharmed when the arrest took place.
"Congressman Garcia is in California and is safe. We are grateful to the U.S. Capitol Police and the House Sergeant at Arms for their swift action," the spokesperson stated, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Past Behavior Raised Red Flags for Police
Capitol Police say Griffin is accused of threatening bodily harm — a charge that’s not taken lightly, especially with today’s heightened sensitivities around political violence.
Chief Michael Sullivan stated firmly, “We will not tolerate any threats to the Members of Congress, their families, or staff.” Rhetoric in politics may run hot, but threatening someone’s life is more than just crossing a line — it’s asking for handcuffs.
While no physical weapons were reported in Griffin’s possession at the time of his attempted entry, the fact that he traveled to D.C. after sending such a message paints a troubling picture.
Ongoing Security Concerns Around Political Figures
The question on many minds: how should Congress handle threats like this, and how frequently are these being intercepted before they escalate? Capitol Police and the House Sergeant at Arms have pledged continued vigilance, but the margin for error remains dangerously thin.
This incident marks yet another flare-up in an era where political rhetoric routinely teeters on the edge, and actual violence is no longer off the table. For all the talk about unity and civility, neither side seems especially interested in cooling the temperature.
However, this isn't a moment just to wave the partisan flag. Threats to elected officials, no matter their political leanings, must be dealt with firmly and quickly — exactly what police appeared to do here.
