WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security is investigating whether an employee found with a loaded gun at work was plotting to kill senior officials.
Intelligence analyst Jonathan Wienke, 35, raised suspicions during a routine security check of his backpack as he entered the department’s Washington complex on June 9 at around 7 a.m.
Wienke was carrying a folding knife, two-way radio, infrared camera and handcuffs; plus pepper spray and a breathalyzer which carried a law enforcement label, CNN reported.
Security guards confiscated the knife and pepper spray but allowed Wienke into the building.
Wienke was arrested at around 9 a.m when special agents searched him at his cubicle and discovered a revolver loaded with hollowed out .22-caliber bullets. Wienke had denied carrying any weapons, CNN reported.
A meeting of senior department officials was taking place across from Wienke’s desk at the time, according to CNN. Authorities believe Wienke may have been planning, possibly with another person, to attack the officials.
Wienke was licensed to carry a concealed weapon in Virginia but not in Washington, CNN reported, citing court documents,
Wienke was placed on administrative leave and released from jail on June 13 pending further legal action.
