Man who asked police for 'information about the Oval Office' arrested on gun, ammunition charges

A Texas man was arrested in Washington, D.C., following police discovering an unlicensed handgun and ammunition in his vehicle when he asked an officer for information on the White House.

Macias Santiago asked a Capitol Police officer Friday for "information about the Oval Office," according to court documents.

He admitted to having a gun in the car after the officer saw a holster in his pickup truck, and a search of the vehicle revealed he had been in possession of a Smith and Wesson handgun, two loaded eight-round magazines, and nearly 80 rounds of loose ammunition, according to the Washington Examiner. None of these were registered to Santiago, the charging document alleged.

Santiago was charged in connection with unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful transportation of a firearm and having unregistered ammunition. Anyone in possession of firearms or ammunition in the Washington, D.C. area is required by law to register their weapons with police. Weapons and magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition also are prohibited.

District of Columbia officials have been on alter for armed attacks in the the nation's capital since the Jan. 6 siege of the U.S. Capitol Building, which resulted in five deaths including a police officer.

In addition, threats have been made against members of Congress, and thousands of National Guard troops are set to remain in the district through the Senate impeachment trial for former President Trump.