US Capitol Police

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A Pennsylvania man with a history of harassing government officials was stopped in DC before he could enter a Senate office building — after allegedly threatening to kill a sitting Member of Congress, according to US Capitol Police.

The US Capitol Police said their Rapid Response Team arrested 43-year-old Richard Griffin around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, after spotting him from a BOLO bulletin issued days earlier.

Authorities said Griffin was intercepted outside the Delaware Avenue Door of the Russell Senate Office Building before he could attempt to go through security screening.

Griffin was charged with threats to do bodily harm following what investigators described as a series of disturbing communications.

According to police, Griffin “has a history of emailing a Congressional office, as well as various government officials and law enforcement agencies.”

Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan credited the quick work of his team for preventing a possible tragedy.

“We will not tolerate any threats to the Members of Congress, their families, or staff,” Sullivan said. “Our officers, agents, and professional staff work relentlessly to bring offenders to justice. We have a zero-tolerance stance when it comes to threats.”

Assistant Chief Sean Gallagher added that the arrest shows how seriously the department takes every potential threat.

“Today’s arrest is further evidence of the fact that our officers remain vigilant during this heightened threat environment,” Gallagher said. “We are all proud of the work they do around the clock to keep the Congressional community safe.”