1998day.year

Russell Eugene Weston Jr. bursts into the United States Capitol and opens fire killing two police officers. He is later ruled to be incompetent to stand trial.

On July 24, 1998, Russell Eugene Weston Jr. stormed the United States Capitol and opened fire, killing two police officers before being apprehended.
Armed with a shotgun and pistol, Weston forced his way through the Capitol's memorial doors and began shooting inside the Rotunda, targeting anyone in his path. The attack resulted in the deaths of Capitol Police officers Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson, who confronted him and prevented further casualties. Weston was subdued after a brief exchange of gunfire and taken into custody. Psychiatric evaluations later found him incompetent to stand trial, attributing his actions to severe mental illness. The rare act of violence within the Capitol building shocked the nation and prompted a review of security measures at federal facilities. Memorials for the fallen officers honored their bravery and sacrifice. The incident spurred long-term changes in Capitol security protocols and crisis response planning.
1998 Russell Eugene Weston Jr. United States Capitol