A Maryland man was arrested last month after U.S. Capitol Police said he attempted to bring an untraceable firearm into a House office building while lawmakers were in session.
According to CBS News, Jason White, 35, was taken into custody on the morning of June 24 after a fully functional, unserialized ghost gun was discovered in his belongings at a security checkpoint inside the Cannon House Office Building.
Authorities say the incident occurred just after 8:30 a.m., a time when congressional activity is typically high, with lawmakers and staff arriving for committee hearings. The building is one of several that support the operations of the U.S. House of Representatives and is located adjacent to the Capitol. According to police, White placed his bag on the conveyor belt at a metal detector station used for visitor and staff screening. During the security scan, a firearm was identified in his bag and immediately flagged by personnel on duty.
Capitol Police Describe Recovered Weapon
Further examination of the weapon revealed that it was a ghost gun — a term used for firearms that are often assembled from homemade kits and lack a serial number, making them difficult to trace. The firearm had a barrel length measuring under 12 inches and was deemed fully operational by security officials at the scene.
"There was no serial number present anywhere on the firearm," an affidavit obtained by CBS News stated. Ghost guns have become a growing concern for law enforcement due to their accessibility and lack of regulatory tracking. White reportedly told Capitol Police that he had forgotten the weapon was in his bag. Authorities confirmed that he does not have a valid license to carry a firearm in the District of Columbia, and his gun permit in Maryland had expired.
Suspect Faces Felony Charge After Arrest
White has been charged with one felony count related to unlawful possession of a firearm. The charge stems in part from Washington, D.C.’s strict firearms regulations, which prohibit unlicensed individuals from carrying or possessing weapons within the city.
The U.S. House of Representatives was in session during the time of the arrest, highlighting the potential risk posed by the introduction of an unregistered firearm into a highly secure government facility. No injuries or further incidents were reported. White’s legal representation declined to comment when contacted by CBS News. At this time, no plea has been entered on his behalf, and it remains unclear when his next court appearance will be scheduled.
Spike in Illegal Capitol Firearm Incidents
This incident is one of more than 20 cases involving unlawful firearm possession on Capitol Hill recorded so far in 2025, according to CBS News. That number already surpasses the 18 similar arrests documented for all of 2023.
The rise in ghost guns and other unregistered firearms has raised alarms among federal security agencies tasked with protecting sensitive government areas, including Capitol Hill and its various office buildings. Security measures at the Capitol complex remain stringent, with checkpoints set up at all public entrances and law enforcement monitoring all visitor activity. Despite these efforts, experts say the increase in ghost gun cases presents unique challenges due to their untraceability and ease of assembly.
Lawmakers Continue to Push for Regulation
Legislators have been discussing potential policy measures aimed at curbing the rise of ghost guns, which have gained notoriety for being constructed from kits that are readily available online or in certain brick-and-mortar stores. Law enforcement officials emphasize that individuals assembling ghost guns often bypass background checks and licensing requirements, contributing to their appeal among those seeking to avoid regulatory scrutiny. As the investigation into White’s actions continues, members of Congress and Capitol Police are reportedly reviewing the protocols that allowed the suspect to reach a checkpoint while in possession of the device.
Gun Safety Prompted by Capitol Breach
The June 24 incident adds to a growing list of firearm-related security breaches at federal buildings. Although no harm came to lawmakers or staff, the arrest served as another reminder of the vulnerabilities that persist at even the most heavily guarded institutions.
Advocates on both sides of the gun debate differ in their interpretation of the rise in such cases, with some attributing it to lapses in individual responsibility and others citing inadequate oversight of firearm kit distribution. White currently remains under legal review as prosecutors determine the full scope of applicable charges. Depending on court proceedings, he could face additional penalties if found guilty.
Capitol Police Procedure Examined After Arrest
Officials have not released further details about how White entered the premises or whether he was a visitor, a staffer, or a contractor. These specifics may affect procedural changes as part of an internal Capitol Police review. Given the sensitivity of Capitol security, external agencies may become involved in evaluating future risks associated with ghost guns and other unregulated firearms reaching secure areas of government buildings. For now, Capitol Police maintain that their officers responded appropriately and under established emergency rules, ensuring that the situation was resolved peacefully and without escalation.
Investigators Continue to Review Disturbing Trend
Although White's claim that he forgot the weapon was in his bag may be significant in his legal defense, its validity will ultimately be determined in court. Observers expect the case to be closely watched due to the political and public safety implications of unchecked weapons at the Capitol. Capitol Hill remains under expanded scrutiny following recent increases in firearm-related arrests and heightened political tensions nationwide. Officials say continued cooperation between local, federal, and Capitol law enforcement is key to protecting public servants and visitors alike. As of now, no additional threats have been linked to White, and no further arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
