Guillotine Found in San Diego Man’s Truck at Supreme Court Building

San Diego County Man Arrested Near Supreme Court

A 35-year-old San Diego County man driving a pickup truck with a guillotine loaded in the bed was arrested near the U.S.

U.S. Capitol Police officers took Philan-Tam-Duy Le into custody on suspicion of carrying a dangerous weapon. They discovered the vehicle illegally parked along the 100 block of East Capitol Street, a location near the U.S.

Department investigators are currently reviewing the suspect’s background to determine his motivations for driving the vehicle across the country from Southern California to the nation’s capital, according to a statement from Capitol Police.

Roots in Julian and Cross-Country Travel

The suspect’s family identified him as Philan Tam Le, a resident of the small town of Julian in San Diego County. Kelvin Le, the suspect’s older brother, told reporters on Tuesday night that he recognized the black pickup truck featured in police photographs as belonging to his sibling.

Speaking by phone from Vista, Kelvin Le described his brother as a free spirit who grew up in Carlsbad. He briefly worked as a cook at a Vietnamese restaurant in Las Vegas and had lived in Julian for several years.

According to his brother, Philan Tam Le funded his cross-country road trips by working as a tattoo artist and crafting handmade items like earrings and other body piercings.

“He built a lot of things with his hands,” Kelvin Le said, noting that his brother was skilled at constructing various objects.

Growing Discontent With American Politics

While authorities continue to investigate the rationale behind hauling the execution device to Washington, family members offered insight into the suspect’s mindset regarding national leadership. Kelvin Le stated that his brother has grown generally dissatisfied with the current state of American politics.

According to his brother, Philan Tam Le does not align with either major political party. He holds unfavorable views toward both California Governor Gavin Newsom and President Trump, though he typically avoided naming specific government policies he opposed.

Guillotine Carried as a Symbolic Protest

Regarding the weapon itself, Kelvin Le expressed surprise at the arrest. He suggested a symbolic interpretation for the cargo.

Photo: europesays.com

“I don’t think he’d hurt anyone,” Kelvin Le said, adding that the guillotine was likely intended as a “symbol of disapproval.”