A California man has pleaded not guilty to a weapons charge after authorities discovered a large wooden guillotine in the back of his pickup truck near the US Capitol complex in Washington, DC.
The unusual incident prompted a police investigation into why the man had travelled across the country with the device and brought it close to some of the nation’s most important government buildings.
Guillotine Discovered in Pickup Truck Near Capitol
US Capitol Police said officers spotted the guillotine in a pickup truck that had been parked illegally near the Supreme Court and the Capitol complex.
The man, identified as 35-year-old Philan-Tam-Duy Le from Julian, California, was taken into custody after officers approached the vehicle. Authorities later seized the large wooden device as part of their investigation.
According to court records, Le has been charged with attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. He entered a not-guilty plea during a court hearing.
Judge Declines Request to Keep Suspect in Jail
Prosecutors argued that Le should remain in custody while the case moved forward, citing concerns about the nature of the device and the circumstances surrounding its presence near federal buildings.
However, a judge declined the request for continued detention. The court noted that authorities had not accused Le of directly threatening anyone and that he had cooperated with police during the encounter.
The investigation is continuing as officials work to establish the reason behind his trip from California to Washington, DC.
Authorities Continue Investigation Into Motive
Police have not publicly confirmed a specific motive for bringing the guillotine to the nation’s capital. According to reports, Le told officers that he had no particular dispute with members of Congress.
A family member suggested the device may have been intended as a symbolic expression of dissatisfaction with the political environment rather than as a plan to harm anyone.
Authorities are continuing to examine the suspect’s background and the circumstances surrounding the cross-country journey. The case remains under investigation as law enforcement officials seek to determine the full reason behind the incident.
