An Alexandria man was arrested near the White House early Tuesday after authorities said he parked a car near a checkpoint at Lafayette Square and was found in possession of a gun, according to D.C. police.
The D.C. police Explosive Ordinance Division searched the vehicle but found nothing harmful, authorities said. But officers who searched the man found a Smith & Wesson handgun loaded with six rounds of ammunition, police said.
Police identified the man as Bryan D. McHugh, 43. He was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as carrying a pistol without a license..A D.C. Superior Court judge on Wednesday ordered McHugh detained until a hearing on Friday.
Court documents filed Wednesday say McHugh told authorities that his "mental GPS" guided him to the White House and that he was seeking treatment.