I've gotten 3 calls asking who brought a gun in... *sigh*

But I am silent. I hope everything works out, I have my own recent Capitol Hill police story. They are a little extreme.

and I am 99% sure he was carrying Jim's gun, which is legally licensed in Virginia, but not in DC. 

for the individual. And all of Sen. Webb's office who are doing great work for Virginia and America.

a big OOOOPPPPS! is in order.  Guns tend to make Senate security a little jumpy.

from MSNBC wesite.

here is the appropriate linkage.

MSNBC.com

except for Mr. Thompson's arrest record.  If Jim is going to carry a gun then he needs to "carry" the gun on his person.

Capitol Hill Police should have known better than to arrest the man (Philip) as he is an aid to a Senator and it was the Senators bag.  Not only that, but if you intended to bring a gun into the Capitol, would you run it through the XRAY machine?

Anyway, thanks for the update!!!

I would expect and hope that Police would arrest anyone unlawfully bringing arms into the Senate office buildings. I don't care whose bag it actually belonged to.

as common sense is a good thing.  I think the so called "War on Terror" has proven that most Americans are mostly afraid of OTHER Americans.  Republican and Democrat alike.  Same tune just different words.

Osama could walk through secutity at the Capitol easier than I can.

In fact he would probably have more luck getting Senator Webb's office to answer an email than I have had.

Anyway, THE MAN HAD ID.  "It's the Senators gun, here is my ID, will you wait until Senator Webb arrives so we can clear this up?...

Well?  Seems like a reasonable senario to me.

I understand this was the fellow who was Jim's bodygaurd during the campaign.  If he identified himself, had I.D. and explained he situation, and if Jim was quickly on the scene, it does seem a bit overzealous on the part of security. 
  However, there were gaurds killd a few years back when an armed man came into a Senate office building, so I kind of see the gaurds reason for being zealousness too.

Looks like no law was broken, and frankly as I support fully the concealed carry laws, I certainly think a man in Webb's unique position as the lightening rod in the Senate should probably be armed.  Sadly, in our country now, I feel like we all should be armed. 

I've always considered the right to carry arms to be liberal point of view and that efforts to disarm the public is a totalitarian measure.  I realize my fellow liberals might have a differing opinion.

...which is why he was "arrested."  Webb's conceal carry is only good in Virginia and the law was broken as soon as it crossed the border into DC. 

Congressman and Senators are allowed to carry to and from work!  Usually meaning the Capitol however, they don't get hasseled even if ....

Here's what really happened according to CNN:
"A congressional official who has been briefed on the incident by law enforcement told CNN that the handgun belonged to the senator. Thompson was driving Webb to a Washington-area airport, located in Virginia, earlier Monday morning, the official said, when Webb remembered that he had the gun on him. It is legal to carry a concealed handgun in Virginia.

He gave the weapon to Thompson, the official said, and asked him to take care of it. Thompson subsequently put the gun in a briefcase and returned to Capitol Hill where "he spaced, he literally forgot" that he had the gun, the official said."

Your first paragraph under the fold is now incorrect, and I'd appreciate it if this were updated.  Thanks!

From USA Today and AP:

An aide to Sen. Jim Webb was arrested Monday when he entered a Senate office building with a loaded pistol belonging to the senator.

Capitol Police spokeswoman Sgt. Kimberly Schneider said the aide was charged with carrying a pistol without a license and possessing an unregistered firearm and unregistered ammunition.

[...]

A congressional official briefed on the incident said Webb gave the gun to Thompson when the assistant drove him to an airport earlier in the day. Thompson, upon entering the Senate building, forgot he was carrying the weapon.

....that we all have to be armed.  I think it is a mistake for anyone other than law enforcement to have weapons in:

-a place where people drink alcohol.
-a government office building, esp court buildings.
-within a certain distance of a school.

I think we all need to work harder to maintain our balance with each other, nature, etc.  In my opinion, powerful instruments such as  guns are not always helpful.  In a bar full of drunks, the presence of guns makes things worse.  There is a place for guns, but I find the notion that they should be omnipresent troubling.

And it is a shame to think we should be armed, even when I think it.  I remember living in Lexington, Kentucky at time when I left my door unlocked.  That was a long time ago, in at a more perceived innocent time.

I understand the reasons some people carry weapons. In my business, I routinely carried a weapon for years. But I do find myself at a conundrum, in that I despise the NRA and what they've to the image of so many of us who believe in the right to bear arms.  I have no objection to proper gun control, but also realize it is the intention of many on the left to disarm everyone.  I've heard it too many time from people who naturally assumed because of my lefty leanings, I naturally wanted wanted to take people's guns too. 

I've always hoped we could take some of the histrionics out of this debate, settle on a waiting period and background check, followed by proper training, but like Mr. Webb, I believe the Government should stop at my doorstep. I should be able to protect my family and my property.  I'm qualified to carry, and  I have the good sense to not wave a pistol around to impress someone.  The problem comes when some bonehead with no experience or training plays at guns and that's dangerous. 

I realize this is not a simple issue, but I hope Senator Webb will go though this deal without a bunch of grief.  That would be silly considering his history.

is not the person you should be worried about.  His aid/assistant is in deep trouble IF the Capitol Police follow through.

Jim transfered (gave possession to) a handgun to someone that may/is not leagally able to have a firearm in DC.  That is anyone other than the POPO and congressmen/senators.  So Jim may be in for some legal problems himself but, his aid d'camp is SOL.  An arrest record is going to HURT, and hurt BAD when he applies for a job.  In fact the CHP may just pull his clearence.

A lot of people, other than the people here, are waiting to see how it all shakes out for Philip (the aid).  If he swings, and he just might, Jim is not going to be able to explain it away.

Already the fact that the elected elite are allowed to carry (handguns) in DC while the rest of us surfs get to yell help while getting a busy signal on 911.

There is also the fact that those of us who are gun owners know better than to EVER GIVE YOUR GUN TO SOMEONE ELSE!!!!!

Near unforgiveable by those of us who can actually get in trouble for our mistakes.  Much like Philip.

Look, the airport is in Virginia.  Jim Webb has a Virginia carry permit.  I'd bet dollars to doughnuts Phil Thompson has a CCP also.  Webb handed the pistol to Thompson on approaching the airport, meaning they were in Virginia at the time.  Perfectly legal.  Nothing irresponsible about one CCP holder handing a weapon to another CCP holder whom he knows is proficient with weapons, nor is there any law in Virginia stating that a CCP holder MUST carry his weapon and his weapon alone at all times and no other weapon, so it's a little over the top to say one can never carry a gun for another, even when both parties have permits and both are proficient.  Webb had no reason to believe Thompson would choose today to zone out.  It's just an unfortunate mistake.

getting to National Airport usually means taking the GW Parkway.  The GW Parkway is a "National Park".  Handguns are "illegal" in National Parks.  Just a little info on how much you have to know, as a law abiding citizen, to be able to stay legal as a gun owner.  For us folks ignorance of the law is no excuse.

But more to the point, I'm sure it was a mistake and that Phil is a responsible person.  However, it is Phil that is going to pay the price, which is bad.  Or, charges are droped because Jim pulls strings and gets him off the hook.

Either way it reflects bad on Jim.  Unless someone, like Jim Webb, takes responsibility and puts this to rest SOON.

And as I've said here before, and I'll do so again just because I like the sound of silence, the GUN Control issue is going to be the iceburg that sinks the ship. 

and omitting the fact that National Airport can easily be reached by going out 395 to pick up any of a number of turnoffs that would take one down to National Airport on Rte 1.  And the GW Parkway is not itself a national park.  It's largely administered by the Park Service, but Arlington has concurrent jurisdiction.  I've seen cases in Arlington's court arising out of incidents on the GW Parkway.  I have never heard of anyone who has a carry permit being pulled over and arrested on the Parkway just for having the gun permitted by the permit.  If it were illegal then frankly I think it would be posted on the Parkway NOT to carry one's own legally sanctioned gun on the road 

and that is a fact.  GW Parkway is a National Park owned and opperated by the NPS.

Please see National Park Service Regulation (36 CFR 2.4) Prohibits possesion, carrying, or using a weapon in all areas of the NPS.

I'm not splitting hairs.  Yes people do get pulled for traffic violations, and then their vehicle searched (war on drugs), and when a gun is found in a condition that is legal Virginia (on your person IF you have a CCH, or on the seat if not) then you will be charged.

Signage, or the lack therof, is typical in the NPS.

We tried to get a rule change made through the Department of the Interior, that a citizen of a state may carry a weapon in or through a NPS located in that state.  It was rejected.  We keep trying.

Feel free to call the NPS, or the DOI and ask.  Please put a good word in for us if you do.

Anyone (with power) who argues for economic populism - in the US Senate or otherwise - is putting their life at risk.  At the risk of sounding like a "conspiracy nut" the fact is that whenever someone threatens those who really control this country (corporations) they have good reason to be armed.

It isn't as bad here as in Russia, but my guess is that it will be one day if there isn't a shift in the balance of powers.  And I am not talking from Republican to Democrat.  I am talking about from corporations back to the people.

In short, Webb would be a fool if he went around unarmed.  If he does half of what he says he wants to in terms of economic fairness, he is going to be up against some powerful and dangerous people.

The difference between Webb and others (Nader for example) who advocate for economic fairness is that people take Webb seriously.  They can't marginalize him like they do others - of course they will try.

under the constitution, just like the rest of us.  No more no less.  Otherwise it might as well be Russia!

I have the same right to life, liberty etc. as he does. 

To have life you have to keep it, sometimes by defending it from those that would take it.  Sometimes that means violence.  Sometimes that means violence in the extreem.  If you don't think you are worthy of life, worthy enough to defend it well, what are you then?

And to those who think it is the duty of law enforcement to protect you well, please go ask Victoria Snellgrove and Dr. Salvatore J. Culosi how they feel.

There will be no conviction.  It can't hurt him in Virginia and this is a great way to break the gridlock in Congress. 

had better get in front of this story and I mean quick.

What is the status of the staffer (aide) and where is a statement from Jim?

Reid discharges gun in General Assembly.  Ah, memories...

Phillip Thompson and I became friends last year during Jim Webb's Senate campaigns.  Along with Jim and several of his other campaign workers, Phillip stayed here at our home on many occasions, and he is one of the most dedicated, intelligent, polite and gentlemanly individuals I have had the privilege to know.  Phillip is a devoted husband and father, a Marine combat veteran, an author and a former editor of the "Marine Corps Times."

For more about Phillip Thompson, please refer to this portion of my November 19, 2006 RK diary entitled, "The Three Musketeers...":

"Phillip, the quieter and more introspective member of the trio, had quit his job as the editor of the Marine Corps Times and had taken a significant pay cut in order to work in Jim's campaign.  He soon became an unexpected but equally colorful personality once he was certain of his audience.  Phillip's main responsibility was to stay out of the limelight while constantly keeping an eye on Jim, getting him from point A to point B, and moving him out of harm's way if necessary.  Phillip also helped with scheduling, printed out maps, stayed in contact with various members of the campaign staff and did some of the driving as well.  Phillip is precise in all that he does, possesses an amazing memory along with an impressive array of accomplishments, and has a very funny sense of humor.  If you don't take the time to get to know Phillip, it's your loss."

There's also more information available about Phillip at this link:  http://www.olemiss.e...

When I visited Jim Webb's office last month, I called Mac McGarvey on my cell phone to let him know that I had just arrived outside the Russell Senate Office Building.  As soon as I entered the building, still talking with Mac on my phone, I was abruptly told by the security guards to go back outside unless I was prepared to proceed through their security check point immediately.  I understood the need for this requirement so I quickly turned and walked outside until I had finished my conversation with Mac.  The guards were doing their jobs correctly, politely yet firmly, just as they should have been.

It appears that Phillip may have made an honest but forgiveable mistake, and I certainly hope that he will continue working for Jim Webb as an essential, important and vital part of Webb's U. S. Senate staff. 

And the ultimate irony? 

Today is Phillip Thompson's 45th birthday. 

So, for what it's worth, happy birthday and best of luck, my friend.

Steve

 

Sucks for him, but may be a key to why he apparently zoned out.

that Jim stand with Philip on this.  In a lot of peoples eyes letting the man take the rap will not be something that can be lived down.  It's simple things like this that either show your worthy of being trusted or gives all of your detractors reason to belive, and preach, that every thing they ever said about you is true!

I hate hearing "I told you so".

I'll bet my DD214 Jim Webb will alway stand with a fellow Marine.  You're bordering on insinuation here.  To bring up if Jim Webb is worthy of being trusted is crap.  You worded it very carefully, but it's still a bullshit insinuation. This honor business isn't just for press releases.  Some people actually try to live that way.  As far as I know Jim has about as much honor as anyone walking around on this planet.

I not sure it sure any of us need to blow this into a big blogger episode, and I'm sure the situation will be resolved quietly and be put aside as it should. 

Everything he said is right.  I'll emphasize that Jim Webb will stand with Phillip.  There's nothing in his character that would let someone take the fall for him.  Nothing.  Don't even go there.

to do the right thing.  Going back over all your posts you seem bound and determined to infer, imply, or outright claim that he has to be prodded by the likes of the blogger community to do the right thing or that he can't be trusted to stand by his friend and fellow Marine.  What do you mean by "take the fall" anyway?  You think he's so craven he'd try to deflect attention from himself and leave Phillip hanging?  You claim a wait and see attitude, but the theme running through your posts is far more insinuating and insulting than that.

Agree with Nick Stump - don't even go there. 

Phillip has a court apperance today.  Yes, we'll see.  I hope the charges are dropped.

I did not mean to impune or slight Jim Webb's character or doubt his loyalty.  But, the statement from Jessica Smith from Webb's office that "we are still awaiting facts" was OK as a first statement but is now a day old and getting stale.  And thus far no statement from the senator himself.

I'm sure that Phillip would take his punishment and still be loyal to Jim.  In situations like this though, you can almost hear the sweat glands of political consultants oozing greasey excuses as to why it would be better for the senator to "distance" himself from the "situation".

So, yes it is a test of character in which loyalty is pitted against political cover.  I think I know which side Jim will be on.

and, if he's still locked up, a bond motion.  If we're really lucky it might be a dropping of the charges or a modification to something a bit more palatable.  Regarding the "awaiting the facts" statement, remember that Webb had just flown out of town and Thompson was returning to the office.  There had to be a lot of confusion about what exactly happened.  After all, Phillip was apparently arrested and incarcerated and my experience is that cops don't stand around waiting while an arrestee's friends and coworkers get all the details from him about what happened before he's transported.  As for Webb not making a statement, it is less than 24 hours and there's a court appearance pending - it would not be wise to say anything until he knows what the situation will be after the court hearing.  It would be stupid to jump in there and start talking without knowing what the government's position is. 

although throughout the campaign I heard refrences to the "body man".  Whether it is true or not, I heard on the news this morning that he is facing FOUR fellony counts.  Jezz Louise, a fellony arrest plus four fellony counts.

I hate to see someones life get tossed in the junk heap, thus my feeling of urgency for action on the part of the senator.  Would you hire someone with a fellony arrest for carrying a firearm?  NO, you would not!

I ask that everyone here who is paying attention to this, to see how this is playing out in the MSM.  Fox (Faux News) last evening made it sound as though there was an attempt on someones life.  Channel 8 news, gave just the facts, but still there are so few facts that their report made it seem criminal.  The words GUN, Senate, Jim Webb, arrest... is all most people hear.

But, as irony is always tragic, here we get to see what a majority of gun owners face every day.  You may be innocent and within your rights, but that doesn't mean you won't be arrested, charged, and face jail time.

After racking my brains I can't think of anything that Webb could say or do that would make it better, especially since we don't know yet exactly what the charges at arraignment will be.  Since you're so agitated about this, just what is it that you think Webb should do?  How will he make it better by acting now to do whatever it is you envision he should do as opposed to waiting and seeing what the situation is? 

in Court Room C10 of the Superior Court Building (500 Indiana Avenue NW).  Jim should be there with him and speak with the judge.  Easy as pie.

"My mistake, not his, a misunderstanding and I TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!!!!!!"

That is what Webb should do.

Judges typically do not hear any evidence or take testimony during an arraignment.  They get annoyed at people who try to get in a few licks when the prosecution hasn't had the opportunity to prepare or present its case.  It would be improper to have Webb address the court unless it's presented in support of a bond motion, and even then he would be held to stating why Phillip is a good risk for bond.

Moreover, it's not Webb's fault that Phillip forgot he had the handgun in the bag and walked through the metal detectors with it.  To have Webb saying it's all his fault, when Phillip would be the first one to say it isn't, makes Phillip sound like a simpleton who isn't responsible for his own actions.  Let's just say I anticipate that both men will take responsibility for what is theirs to own.  Phillip strikes me as a manly (not to mention handsome) man who isn't afraid to take responsibility and stand on his own two feet.  Semper fi, Phillip. 

Is a great guy, and a wonderful husband and father.

It appears to be a honest mistake, I hope all this clears up quickly, and the Webb Senate Office can get back to the great work they are doing for us.

Happy Birthday to Phil, sorry It couldn't be better.

We're thinking about you Phillip.  So sorry to hear about the incident with Webb's gun.  I'm sure that all of this was just an oversight and terrible mistake.  Webb probably realized that he couldn't carry a gun into the airport and quickly passed this off to Phillip.  I can see how this can happen.  I never in a million years would believe Webb would leave Phillip out there hanging.  If you didn't notice, Phillip was always near Webb with a hawk eye watching him during the campaign to watch his back.  There's no way Webb would ever forget that.  I would not be one bit surprised if Webb hadn't been threatened in one way or another during the campaign.

By the way Phillip Happy 45th.  Hope this mess gets cleared up for everyone.

Seamus O'Toole