Daggers, dirks, brass knuckles — leave them at home when you come to the Capitol, House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul D. Irving cautioned members and staff Tuesday.  

“This is a reminder that certain items that are legal in a Member’s district are prohibited in the District of Columbia,” Irving stated in the memo obtained by CQ Roll Call. The message, delivered about three weeks after Capitol Police stopped an intern for Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Kan., from bringing an unloaded 9 mm handgun into a congressional office building, notes that the same rules apply to staff, guests and visitors.  

Last summer, Capitol Police stopped two 9 mm handguns from entering House office buildings over the course of four workdays. Cops found one gun when searching the bag of a staffer for Rep. Tom Marino, R-Pa. The other gun was discovered in the belongings of a pork executive , who told police he had a license to carry a concealed weapon in South Carolina.  

“Please be aware that the U.S. Capitol Police are required to enforce District of Columbia statutes involving the possession of weapons which are illegal in the District of Columbia (which may be considered legal in other parts of the United States), and will result in arrest,” Irving continued, along with a list of prohibited items.  Irving warned against imitation pistols, knives with blades longer than 3 inches, brass knuckles and any firearms.  

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