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Capitol Police Stop Ex-Cop From Taking Loaded Revolver Into Library

Police at the Library of Congress Jefferson Building found a loaded gun in the Virginia man's briefcase. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Police at the Library of Congress Jefferson Building found a loaded gun in the Virginia man's briefcase. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Updated 5:33 p.m. | Capitol Police stopped a 55-year-old Virginia man who claimed to be a local cop from carrying a loaded revolver into the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building Tuesday.  

Jeff Jefferson Ahn, listed as Yong Ahn in documents filed in D.C. Superior Court, entered the Jefferson Building’s carriage entrance on First Street Southeast, Tuesday morning. He placed a black briefcase into the X-ray machine around 9:45 a.m. During screening, an officer noticed what appeared to be a handgun. Ahn was immediately placed into handcuffs while police investigated his briefcase. Inside, they found a Charter Arms .38 revolver, five rounds of ammunition and a brown holster, according to an affidavit. Doors were secured and a supervisor was called to the scene. Ahn spontaneously told police “that he worked for [Metropolitan Police Department] and that the revolver was his off duty” weapon, the document states.  

Capitol Police say Ahn could not provide any proof of licensing or retirement credentials. Officers placed Ahn under arrest and transported him to headquarters for processing.  

MPD confirmed to CQ Roll Call Friday that no one with the last name “Ahn” is employed by the department, but the department did indicate he was previously on the job. “As of 15 years ago, he is no longer a member of our Department,” said MPD spokeswoman Gwendolyn Crump in an email.  

Ahn was initially charged with carrying a pistol without a license, a felony offense punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine, plus two additional misdemeanors for possession of an unregistered firearm and ammunition.  

On July 22, Ahn was arraigned on a single charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, with a prior conviction. If found guilty, he faces up to 10 years in prison.  

Prosecutors say Ahn was convicted of felony bribery in 1999 and is not licensed to carry a pistol in D.C.  

Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond ordered Anh to stay away from Capitol grounds. He was released on his personal recognizance, and placed on high-intensity supervision while the case is pending.  

Ahn has hired Washington-based criminal defense attorney David Benowitz.  

“Once the facts are established in court, I think it will be clear that [Ahn] did not break the law,” Benowitz said in a Friday afternoon phone call.  

Ahn is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 11.

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