Toy Gun Blamed for Capitol Frenzy

Trick, no treat: Halloween outfits and a plastic gun are the culprits in today's frantic shutdown of the House of Representatives, police say.

U.S. Capitol Police Chief Terence Gainer said the two-hour hullabaloo resulted from "two staff members bringing in Halloween costumes. ... I don't think they had any ill intent."

He said the aides chatted with security personnel after placing a bag on a security station X-ray belt at the entrance to the Cannon House Office Building, then went into their building. Moments later, security officials noticed the image of a gun and triggered an alarm.

Gainer said the two aides are "very sorry this all happened," and the security personnel had performed "well within standards."

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