Heritage Foundation Staffer Detained for Bringing Ammunition and Suspected Drugs into Senate Office Building

Matthew Christopher Wingate, a staffer at the Heritage Foundation, was detained by Capitol Police on July 14 after attempting to enter the Russell Senate Office Building with ammunition and suspected drugs in his briefcase. An X-ray scan revealed a pistol magazine, which led to a further search where officers found a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Wingate, who holds a valid license to carry a firearm in Washington, D.C., was arrested as firearms are prohibited in Senate office buildings. Additionally, a search of his briefcase uncovered a plastic bag containing four capsules and three blue pills, which later tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl. During questioning, Wingate claimed he had forgotten the magazine was in his briefcase and stated that the drugs were prescribed by a medical professional. He was released after his arrest on a misdemeanor charge and is scheduled to appear in court on August 27. The Heritage Foundation has been contacted for comment.