Politics

Capitol Police Arrest Congressional Fellow for Bringing Loaded Handgun to the Hill

The fellow, an active-duty Marine, was charged after being caught with the weapon during a routine search.

By Rachel Roubein and National Journal
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 30: Pedestrians pass the U.S. Capitol as the Congress remains gridlocked over legislation to continue funding the federal government September 30, 2013 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution with language to defund U.S. President Barack Obama's national health care plan two days ago, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has indicated the U.S. Senate will not consider the legislation as passed by the House. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (National Journal)

A Marine Corps congressional fellow was arrested after Capitol Police officers reportedly found a loaded handgun in his vehicle during a routine administrative search Tuesday afternoon, according to police.

According to the Marine Corps's website, the fellow, Peter Boby, is assigned to work in Rep. Duncan Hunter's office; Legistorm and Boby's LinkedIn account also state he works in the California Republican's office. A Marine Corps spokesman, Major Paul Greenberg, confirmed that Boby is an active-duty marine and a gunnery sergeant, but noted that he didn't have confirmation of the office Boby worked in as of 4 p.m. Tuesday.

A spokesperson for Duncan's office was not immediately available for comment.

Boby was charged with carrying a pistol without a license, unregistered ammunition, and an unregistered firearm, Capitol Police spokeswoman Lt. Kimberly Schneider wrote in an email.

At about 2 p.m., Capitol Police officers performed a routine search required for entry into the Capitol's secure area at Washington Avenue and C Street SW. Police reportedly found a loaded .45 caliber handgun in the car, according to Schneider.

In June, 25-year-old Joshua Wheeler — an intern for Rep. Lynn Jenkins — was caught with an unloaded handgun during a routine administrative search at the entrance to the Longworth House Office Building. Tom Brandt, a spokesman for the Kansas Republican, said at the time that it was believed to be an accident.

And last summer, Ryan Shucard — a new press secretary for Rep. Tom Marino — was arrested for bringing an unloaded handgun into a House office building.