Georgia man, 80, arrested at US Capitol with guns in his van

Tony Payne of Tunnel Hill, Georgia told Capitol Police he had come to deliver documents to the US Supreme Court.

The "Field of flags" is seen on the National Mall in front of the U.S. Capitol building ahead of inauguration ceremonies for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, US, January 20, 2021. (photo credit: REUTERS/ALLISON SHELLEY)
The "Field of flags" is seen on the National Mall in front of the U.S. Capitol building ahead of inauguration ceremonies for President-elect Joe Biden in Washington, US, January 20, 2021.
(photo credit: REUTERS/ALLISON SHELLEY)

An 80-year-old Georgia man illegally parked on the grounds of the US Capitol in Washington, saying he wanted to deliver documents to the Supreme Court, was arrested on Wednesday after three guns were found in his van, police said.

Tony Payne of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, was taken into custody on three weapons-related charges, the US Capitol Police said in a written statement.

Two passengers in the van were detained but not arrested.

United States Supreme Court (credit: Wikimedia Commons)
United States Supreme Court (credit: Wikimedia Commons)

A 'document delivery' to the Supreme Court

Capitol Police officers spotted the white van parked illegally near the US Supreme Court building at around 3:45 p.m. local time. When they approached, the three occupants said they had come to deliver documents to the court.

Payne told officers that he had weapons in the van and a search turned up two handguns and a shotgun, along with a pipe and containers, Capitol Police said.

Capitol Police said dozens of people are arrested each year for bringing weapons onto Capitol grounds