Staffer pleads not guilty to carrying gun on Capitol Hill

A Republican aide pleaded not guilty to a felony charge for carrying a handgun into the Cannon House Office Building and was released from custody Saturday afternoon.

Ryan Shucard, who is now on unpaid leave from his position with Rep. Tom Marino (R-Pa.) allegedly tried to bring a pistol to work when he was stopped by police and arrested.

{mosads}While the details of the incident are unclear, Shucard’s arrest has raised questions about security on Capitol Hill.

The gun was reportedly discovered as Shucard underwent a routine search. Anyone entering lawmakers’ office buildings on Capitol Hill must pass through a metal detector and subject other items to an X-Ray screening.

Shucard did not speak during his minute-long arraignment on Saturday, according to Roll Call. He was ordered to return to court on Aug. 11.