California Man Arrested Near US Capitol with Guillotine in Truck
California Man Arrested Near US Capitol with Guillotine in Truck
US · Published Aug 27, 2026
On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, US Capitol Police arrested Philan-Tam-Duy Le, a 35-year-old man from California, after discovering a 10-foot-tall wooden guillotine in the bed of his pickup truck.
The vehicle was parked illegally near the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., close to the US Capitol and the Library of Congress.

Impact & Risks

The incident has raised concerns about security near federal buildings in Washington, D.C., particularly given the symbolic nature of the guillotine. While Le's brother described him as a 'free spirit' and suggested the guillotine was a 'symbol of disapproval,' authorities are investigating his motives. The presence of such a device near the Capitol could heighten tensions in an already polarized political climate. The case underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in assessing potential threats and ensuring public safety in high-security areas.

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