From what we know, there were two separate security breaches at the United States Supreme Court on Wednesday, both within the same hour.
A man from California was arrested on Wednesday afternoon for claiming he had “higher authority” and attempting to unlawfully enter the high court through the north door. This occurred just minutes before guns were taken from a van driven by a man from Georgia and found near the Supreme Court complex.
CBS News was able to obtain newly filed court documents that state Melvin Marbrey, 73, told police officers at the Supreme Court that he was there to meet with Chief Justice John Roberts and “would not leave (until) he was allowed into the building.” This information was obtained from the newly filed court documents. An affidavit filed by the police states that Marbrey fraudulently represented himself as having “higher authority” and presented a congressional report as “evidence” of his claim to have such power. He instructed the cops, “Either you do what has to be done, or I’m going inside.”
Marbrey was taken into custody at 3:09 p.m. on Wednesday, only minutes before a second security scare, in which the police claimed they discovered pistols in the vehicle of Tony Payne, 80, who was taken into custody and faces charges related to weapons. In the criminal records for Marbrey, there doesn’t seem to be any evidence that the two people are related in any way.
Marbrey said at his court appearance on Thursday afternoon that he intended to return to the Supreme Court as soon as he was released from custody. During the course of the hearings, Marbrey referred to himself as a sovereign citizen and questioned the legitimacy of the court as well as the authority of the Justice Department. Marbrey gave the following response when the court inquired about the identity of his defense attorney: “The Attorney General of the United States is representing me in this matter. Merrick Garland is the name. This court lacks the jurisdiction to do anything.”
Marbrey’s response to the stay that the court imposed to compel him to keep away from the Supreme Court was as follows: “I’m not going to stay away. I’m leaving right now to get there.” He continued by saying, “I am requesting that you free me at this time.”
Throughout this time, Tony H. Payne, whose white minivan was reportedly stopped or searched at roughly 3:43 p.m. on Wednesday, was scheduled to appear in D.C. Superior Court during the afternoon on Thursday.
The United States Capitol Police said on Wednesday that during the investigation of the car that was located close to the Capitol, many firearms were found and three people were apprehended. According to the Capitol Police, the three individuals informed the police that they were at the location to give papers to the Supreme Court.
Capitol police claimed that Payne, 80, of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, was subsequently detained on charges related to firearms, and his adult grandson was handed over to the custody of D.C. Disability Services. A lady who was with them at the time was arrested but later let go.
According to the Capitol Police, Payne is likely to be charged with three offenses, including carrying a handgun without a license, using ammunition that was not registered, and using a weapon that was not registered.
According to the Capitol Police, officers saw a white vehicle that was parked in an unauthorized manner, and a police dog alerted the officers, which led to a search being conducted. Officers were notified by one of the males that they were in possession of firearms, which is against the law on Capitol grounds.
According to Capitol Police, officers located a pipe and many containers in the car, in addition to two pistols, a shotgun, and a total of three firearms. In addition to that, a hazmat crew was sent in to search the vehicle.
Even though the adjacent Supreme Court was closed on Wednesday, more safety precautions have been taken in the surrounding region. In the spring, many judges at the court received threats, which led to the installation of an eight-foot barrier surrounding the building. In August, the fence was taken down.
