- Deer Tick DangersPosted 2 hours ago
- IRS Questioned Over Targeting ScandalPosted 1 day ago
- Midwest Gas Price SpikePosted 1 day ago
- FOX CountryPosted 2 days ago
- Life Expectancy RisesPosted 2 days ago
- David Beckham To Retire From SoccerPosted 2 days ago
- FOX in the Fast Lane: All-Star Race (Charlotte)Posted 2 days ago
EXCLUSIVE: Revolutionary War Re-enactor Says U.S. Capitol Police Tread On Me
FOX News Radio Exclusive Report
By FOX News Radio White House Correspondent Mike Majchrowitz.
Washington, D.C.: As a Revolutionary War re-enactor, Jon Andrews helps recreate the struggle against government repression from which the United States of America was born. But when he recently came to Washington D.C. to practice his art, he lost his own freedom. His attempt to help celebrate the birth of liberty with his antique flintlock muskets landed him a berth in a D.C. Jail.
The 53-year-old Vincennes, Indiana resident brought his wife and son to take part in a weekend re-enactment at Mount Vernon’s “Washington and Rochambeau Commemoration.” On the afternoon of Thursday September 8th Andrews and his family decided to see the U.S. Capitol. The timing couldn’t have been worse, not just because of rain but because in a few hours the President was due to give an address to Congress. Security that is normally heightened was now hyper-tight.
It started with a traffic stop. Andrews says he was pulled over by a Capitol Police officer and told he made an illegal lane change. He says he was later told that was a pre-text for stopping him. “They informed me later on that I had been profiled, or my car had been profiled as a potential threat because of the way my (Chevy) Blazer sat low to the ground in the back and because of the big black cargo box I had on top of my car.” A statement from the Capitol Police denies profiling was involved. “The United States Capitol Police has specific policies and practices that forbid any type of discriminatory profiling and none was practiced here.”
He says from that point his D.C. family getaway became a nightmare. Although it was unlikely he would try to assassinate the President with an 18th century muzzleloader, the Capitol Police seemed unable to decide what to do with him. “Something that could have been sorted out really quickly, it just seemed like that nobody would sign off on it or everything that I was hearing was that nobody would stick their necks out.”
Eventually he was transferred into the custody of the District’s Metropolitan Police to be held overnight – a facility he describes as filthy and horrendous. “No water, no food, no anything all night long. In fact the whole time I was in there I had no food or water and was handcuffed and shackled.” Meanwhile his wife and 12-year-old son were left alone in a strange city to fend for themselves.
Friday afternoon, after more than 24-hours incarcerated, Andrews was set free. No charges were filed. His weapons and SUV had already been returned to his wife. He sees the return of his weapons as an admission that he had never really been a threat at all. He’s not bitter but he is shaken. “I am really happy that our government is watching but there seems to be a lack of common sense or lack of logic involved.”
U.S. Capitol Police say they stand by the Andrews detention. “Mr. Andrews was handled according to USCP standard policies and practices. He was not shackled at any time by the USCP.” And as for the lack of any charges, the Capitol Police say Andrews, “violated several laws that prohibit possessing or carrying dangerous weapons and explosives. The decision not to move forward with charges was made by the United States Attorney’s Office and does not reflect a judgment upon the validity of Mr. Andrew’s arrest.” Meanwhile D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department denies leaving Andrews without food and water saying “We fed ALL of our prisoners twice, that evening and during the overnight hours.”
Despite his ordeal, Andrews and his family joined with his unit of re-enactors and others at Mount Vernon’s re-enactment that weekend. He knows his story is unique but he fears what happened to him could happen to others. Andrews still loves his country but asked if he still feels the same about his government, “Not near like I used to. It has taken away a part of me. “
Jon Andrews (front row center) at Mount Vernon along with fellow re-enactors of the “Illinois Regiment ~ Virginia State Line.” This photo taken the weekend after Andrews’ arrest at the U.S. Capitol.
Listen to some of FOX News Radio White House Correspondent Mike Majchrowitz’s interview with Jon Andrews HERE:
Audio clip:
johnQ
September 27, 2011 at 8:49 am
His Rights were violated and he should demand an investigation as well as sue DC PD.
DonM
December 27, 2012 at 6:53 pm
Old saying: Never pick a fight with anyone who buys ink by the barrel.
Never sue anyone who buys lawyers by the barrel…
DGM
September 27, 2011 at 9:27 am
Used to live in DC – I believe Jon Andrews over the Capitol Police hands down.
El Cid
September 27, 2011 at 9:32 am
DC is a third world s*&thole – noone in their right mind comes here – there is no freedom here – you have NO 2nd ammendment right to bear arms to defend yourself or your property – welcome to the 4th Reich.
henryknox
September 27, 2011 at 9:49 am
Doesn't surprise me in the least. This new progressive gov't is much more like the one we liberated the American people from in 1776. King George 4 (Obama) is eve more insidious than King George III. I love the Tea Party because they are the only ones standing up for American freedom.
saveusfromObama
September 27, 2011 at 9:54 am
Obama owes the Jon Andrews and his family a public apology…what a perfect example of Obama and his security teams inept ability to do any job correctly. If Obama is re-elected, every thing will just get worse….Pray that God will have Mercy on us all.
FormerMarineSgt
September 27, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Interesting that you blame Obama for something that he had nothing to do with.
Should I blame Obama for it raining in DC the week I was there this summer?
Should I blame Obama 'cuz the airplane flight was bumpy?
Should I blame Obama because the people at the Dulles airport were jerks?
I'd have to if I used your logic.
saveusfromIgnorance
September 28, 2011 at 11:57 am
saveusfromObama, you are either a fool or a racist. As if the President gets involved in the day to day activities of the Capitol Police. And how is it inept, you carry guns around the Capitol you deserve to be investigated. A. Flintlocks can still fire, B. old guns can be modifed to disguise new technology.
Another example of tea party idiots who espouse personal responsibility but spend all their energy blaming the government for all their problems.
saveusfrombiggov
September 28, 2011 at 9:12 pm
Although I don't blame Obama, you have to admit that the government arrested him and that the government is the one taking away our second amendment rights in the first place. Also, although a flintlock can still fire they're impossible to conceal, take forever to load, and are highly inaccurate (note the lack of any aiming mechanisms on his guns). I would not really consider a flintlock a danger. However, even if it was a danger it wouldn't justify the government violating his constitutional rights, which appear to include unlawful search and seizure in addition to the right to keep and bear arm.
Klingon
September 27, 2011 at 9:56 am
The DC thugs did the same thing when I went to the 9/12 march, intimidating tea party participants and peaceful protesters who opposed Obamacare and the left-wing agenda.
Conservative962
September 27, 2011 at 1:09 pm
I was there for both Tea Party marches on Washington, the 9/12 and the healthcare one – the D.C. police were extremely polite both times and did no such thing. Just my point of view, of course. They seemed to be happy that we weren't violent and pushy, and they were very relaxed around us, as they should have been… That said, I believe what happened to this man was outrageous and shouldn't be tolerated.
KarshiKhanabad
September 27, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Our capital under the current regime puts Imperial Rome to shame for its sheer arrogance and hostility to the citizenry. I graduated from a D.C. high school (St. Johns) and commuted from northern Virginia so I'm not that much an outsider except now I won't get any closer to the federal district than the view from Arlington Cemetery.
Here in South Carolina as reenactors (same era) we surrounded the Governor in his office and U.S. Senators with swords, muskets, and bayonets. They merely shook our hands and asked for our vote as their guards stood by and grinned. Common sense prevailed.
Randy King
September 27, 2011 at 10:08 am
I spent an unpleasant 6 months living in DC. Wouldn't go back on a bet. The only people there with guns are the criminals and the police.
sdh
September 27, 2011 at 10:13 am
he ran his mouth to the cops and got searched, then arrested. They left that part out of their fair/balanced article.
CampingExperts
September 27, 2011 at 8:53 am
oh then you must know something that none of the rest of us do. Ran his mouth….like Rodney King did?
drd
September 27, 2011 at 12:11 pm
and this is based on….what???
rexgamble
September 27, 2011 at 12:13 pm
and you know this how?
Fairbalanced
September 27, 2011 at 12:23 pm
As someone who knows these people i can assure you he did not "run his mouth". It was a pretext stop. That means he was going to get searched regaurdless.
Marc Melissas
September 27, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Really? Were you there? Did you read the Police Report? Or are youjust THAT smart and know exactly what happened? And… when did it become a crime to speak out, unless YOU don't believe in the First Amendment
MsNJ
September 27, 2011 at 4:41 pm
It's not illegal to mouth off to the cops, so that's hardly justification. Also, being searched and incarcerated for 24 hours isn't exactly a fair punishment for so small an infraction, either. So, if he'd yelled or sworn at them, should they have held him for 2 or 3 days?
The guy has it right when he says that no common sense is being displayed here.
ecs
September 28, 2011 at 8:34 pm
Jon Andrews is my best friend's uncle. You are an idiot.
elise
September 28, 2011 at 9:30 pm
The police report says that Andrews voluntarily consented to searching his car and there was no indication of any resistance on his part. It appears that the only running of the mouth is being done by you!
old burg waiter
September 27, 2011 at 10:25 am
These re-enactors used to come to Williamsburg every year when I was waiter there – for ten years. They were rude, arrogant and didn't tip. Refused to follow rules and policies of the establishments they frequented. I have a feeling he was less than compliant with the police based on my experience with re-enactors.
WRTolkas
September 27, 2011 at 2:07 pm
Dear old burg waiter,
Let me apologize to you for the re-enactment community. I would consider visiting Williamsburg a great honor. And to be admitted in period attire an achievement. I am sorry that the re-enactors you encountered did not feel that way. My only thought is their familiarity bred contempt.
My daughter is a part-time waitress. I always let her calculate the tip.
kevin
September 27, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Who are you refering to as "those re-enactors" ? I can personally say from my experience with Jon Andrews that he is not rude nor arrogant, nor does he go to Williamsburg every year…. you must be speaking of another group. If I was as closed minded as you, I might say you have a typical east coast snob attitude.
Bruce
September 27, 2011 at 5:03 pm
I agree with kevin, I know Jon to be a very polite man. As to the waiter, how was your service? Sometimes you get what you serve.
Dean
September 27, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Hey "Old Burger"…
So your supposed experience with a few reenactors enables you to accurately portrait Jon's character? Wow! Where did you get that ability?
So… to follow your logic… I can say that you are obviously a rude, uneducated idiot because of the last waiter who served me that came accross in that manner… right?
R. Miller
September 29, 2011 at 4:48 pm
Wow–I'm sorry some members of the living history community are such a poor reflection on the rest! However, please know that we aren't all affiliated with one group–the fact that you said "these reenactors came to Williamsburg every year" tells me that, in fact, you didn't meet John's group–they're a Midwestern group that infrequently travels to the East Coast.
Sheridan
September 27, 2011 at 10:43 am
As a former Civil War reenactor, we always had to be careful when transporting our weapons to a reenactment. DC is not unique in this case. Metropolitan police departments are notorious for their lack of common sense when dealing with antique firearms. Police in the suburbs are much more likely to understand the true circumstances.
thewatcher
September 27, 2011 at 10:47 am
This is what happens when monkeys run the zoo. i see this in the government all the time as a contractor. these monkeys only know how to do exactly what they are told to do. they can't think for themselves. they have no decision making cognitive skills at all. such a shame.
josh
September 27, 2011 at 10:47 am
He got one thing right; the government is watching and there is a lack of common sense there!
Frank
September 27, 2011 at 10:47 am
I call B S on the capital police. This man broke no laws whatsoever. In fact, muskets aren't even classified as firearms by BATFE and anyone can mail order them. No age limit. Welcome to the new America where tyranny is the new order.
Ephraim Williams
September 27, 2011 at 11:08 am
Such 100% disingenuousness. I'd probably like the guy a lot if I met him, but he got precisely what you get when you deliberately prod a police bureaucracy with a … with an 18th-century bayonet. "No water, no food, no anything all night long" ?? Well, that sounds like he did some real re-enacting, for once. Glad he got his stuff back, the police could so easily have flipped him the bird and junked his weapons – he ought to be grateful. Other than that, no pity: he got what he asked for.
Jeff Eby
September 27, 2011 at 12:42 pm
So…exercising his freedom to join a patriotic re-enactment is defined as "prodding the police bureaucracy" and should be expected to occur when visiting Washington D.C.?
Is this the measure of our freedoms that separate our country from many others and justifies the lives of our servicemen in it's defense?
You would advocate the "junking of his weapons" as just punishment for breathing in the wrong air?
Thomas Jefferson stated: Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.
The constant dismantling of the Bill of Rights by Executive Agencies (IRS, EPA, OSHA using regulations to bypass Congress and the voice of the people), the disregard for the Constitution by Supreme Court Justices who legislate from the bench have done so much damage to our freedoms that you state "he got what he asked for" as if losing his freedoms, being subjected to illegal search/seizure, apprehension were his goals during his visit all along.
In reality, we, the citizens of the United States of America got what we asked for by allowing the Government to usurp the voice of the people to the point where the U.S. Government no longer serves the people, but dictates regulations to ensure conformity and suppression of States rights with Federal authority.
We are all at fault.
We are "sheeple" waiting for the wolves to slaughter us.
Mark Redfern
September 27, 2011 at 5:30 pm
He asked for nothing but to see the capital. He did not prod the police at all. You sir are pitiful.
Dean
September 27, 2011 at 7:04 pm
He was vacationing with his family. And he was in his civilian clothes. If that is "proding", we are all in trouble!
Brian
September 27, 2011 at 11:09 am
If Mr. Andrews thinks that's bad he should have been a Civil War reenactor dressed in Confederate uniform! Than he would have seen real police brutality! This should also put a new light on the Rev. War reenacting that he does, because everything those folks fought against in 1776 is being perpetuated by our own government today! The color of their coats may have changed but deep down their politics is still very RED!
CT in OR
September 27, 2011 at 11:23 am
I would not live in DC again for much less than $10mil./year. It takes that much to live like royalty there, or belonging to the US Senate. It used to sicken me sitting in traffic while convoys of politicians were chauffeured in special lanes to "important" meetings or flown in helicopters 2 miles for same "important" meeting. There is, was and will always be a class system in the US, it is just getting more obvious.
tom
September 27, 2011 at 11:30 am
If there was any justice, this Tea Party maggot would still be rotting in prison.
Kim
September 27, 2011 at 12:21 pm
typical liberal bigot comment.
if you don't like this country and the right to free speech why don't you leave and go to another country.
Jacob
September 27, 2011 at 3:09 pm
For what? Do you confuse your personal opinion of a political party as some sort of insane 'justice' to end the life of another human being?Or is it solely because he's interested in American history, that 'justice' should be done. Perhaps we should continue our spree of insane "Justice" onto all American historians.
I would re-evaluate your sense of reality, politics are not that important Tom.
Dean
September 27, 2011 at 6:54 pm
Tom is just one of those Liberal plants that surfs forums and such to try and get attention.
AndyC
September 27, 2011 at 6:47 pm
Tom, you have no idea what this country is based on. You have no idea what freedom is. You would fit quite nicely in China. Please, I would be glad to donate a one way ticket.
Dean
September 27, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Tom – You're showing your profound ignorance. Not just of the situation, but in general!
D Moore
September 27, 2011 at 11:30 am
I live in the DC area also.. I am forced to side with Mr. Andrews on this one…
richmurto
September 27, 2011 at 11:35 am
I USED TO LIVE IN DC TOO. Everything in the story sounds exactly correct; even down to the jail and no food or water. He failed to mention the feces that are smeared on everything in the 150 year old jail.
senior viking
September 27, 2011 at 11:37 am
Alpha Hotels all of them.
A re-enactor is a threat with flintlocks? Give me a break.
I trust Andrews with a firemarm more than those DC idiots.
Jeff
September 27, 2011 at 11:46 am
Mr. Andrews is a lot more forgiving than I would be. If you want to visit a true American Syaye, come to Arizona. Washington DC is a communist state and only the legislators have rights.
rhyzoolie
September 27, 2011 at 11:53 am
DC is a cess pool! For a nation's capitol, it is a shame. The crime rates are high, the entire place is making the founding fathers turn in their graves, especially the current administration and their anti constitutional ways.
US_Marine_13
September 27, 2011 at 12:00 pm
"…We are never more than a generation away from Freedom's extinction…" R.W. Reagan. This country, unfortunately, is falling fast. I fought for 8 years to defend her in the USMC in some fairly unspeakable places. Now I have to fight my own government over my f*cking right to have arms?! Time to place the politicians on the front line as cannon fodder and re-take our country.
Robert Seay
September 27, 2011 at 12:01 pm
I suggest you teach your children and grandchildren to speak Arab, and spanish, cause the USA's days are numbered. The American dream has come true Bottom line the rest of the world is so jealous they cant sleep at night, so they plot. If you want a no nonsense Pres. voat for me I have a plan, but the media will not let you here it, cause the dems and repubs like there little money making venture just the way its. Rush makes 50grand a year, why would he want to change anything, he is so loyal to the USA he said if the Pres comes after him he would move to another country.
last chance! act now while America is still the planet dominator.
GWW
September 27, 2011 at 12:01 pm
I used to live in the DC area. The Capital Police, along with the DC police department, are full of arrogant and incompetent idiots. The officers have been frequently caught lying in court and to the press. They are far more dangerous to the public than most of the criminals.
Dean
September 27, 2011 at 7:16 pm
Actually, the beat cops were pretty nice to Jon. The problem occured as it wen't farther up the chain of command (as I understand it).
raygun
September 27, 2011 at 1:27 pm
The FREAKING DC campus cops (remember Dudley Do Right and Barney on Andy Griffin and the Keystone Cops) just wanted to harrass the guy and create a stur. I hope it made them feel important and PC. HEY!! You IDIOTS, use some common sense!! Some how "common sense" and DC just don't seem to go together.
Insane
September 27, 2011 at 2:20 pm
I'm sure Holder or Congress will get to the bottom of it. The most un-biased person there is and the most efficient body of people ever. Go team go. Friggen idiots.
2012!
September 27, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Out of control government. Detaining citizens without an arrest warrant is against the Constitution. This is what happens when an illegitimate president is in the white house and the rule of law gets thrown to the side.
StPaddysDay
September 27, 2011 at 3:20 pm
DC cops: the worst of the worst.
Gryff
September 27, 2011 at 6:48 pm
It's important to remember that our federal politicians are far more important than the Constitution or the founding principles of the United States.
elise
September 28, 2011 at 10:03 am
I am glad that we failed to remember that with Andrew Johnson, Richard Nixon or Bill Clinton.or any other politician that would go unchecked. Further, I don't think this has anything to do with the Constitution directly, when the DC gun laws permit possession of these weapons. Get in the game!
grebis
September 28, 2011 at 10:52 am
Well, I am headed for DC and carrying a far more volatile and dangerous weapon than a musket. It's the same one that every human on the planet is carrying right this minute. It won't show up on any metal detector and can't be seen by those body scanners either. A pat down is useless as well. Yup, that old computer betwixt my ears is capable of far more damage than any gun. Hard to regulate, tax and confiscate that, though, isn't it?
guest
September 28, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Everyone wearing a badge, involved in this fiasco, has violated their oath to protect and defend the constitution from enemies foreign or domestic.
IMHO they should be brought up on charges of treason.
guest
September 30, 2011 at 2:17 pm
Antique firearms and replicas thereof are specifically excluded from DC's gun laws. He has a strong case for wrongful arrest.
Luckily for the arresting officers Obama's wholly corrupt 'Just-Us' department will under no circumstances charge the officers involved under USC Title 18 Section 242: 'Deprivation of rights under color of law'… That's the REAL crime.
Wayne Guinn
October 8, 2011 at 10:06 am
This happened to a friend of a very dear friend of ours. See what happened to this very patriotic family. Very Disturbing….listen to the interview!
unfair treatment
October 9, 2011 at 10:41 pm
Mr Jon doesn't really deserve this treatment, I know him and his family very well, such a nice family. Keeping you in jail the whole night without food and water ???!!!! that's really unfair in a country like america,especially a reenactor, I mean they could of just verify your membership card.
Debbie
October 17, 2011 at 3:55 pm
I know Jon Andrews wife personally. This was devistating to this family and they are wonderful people. Her and her son were left in a strange city to defend for themselves while he was seperated from them. What Jon is telling you is true. I feel so sorry for these US citizens. An apology would not be enough for this family. I am so sorry this happened to you.
Tyrone Van Tatenhove
October 20, 2011 at 12:55 pm
I actually know Jon and was very suprised but not shocked to hear about his treatment in the DC jail! At least it now makes for a nice dinner conversation and nothing more. God Bless America (When they start practicing what they preach!)
askeptic
December 27, 2012 at 12:19 pm
Next time "re-enactors" visit DC, they should be "locked and loaded"!
Cry_Havoc
September 27, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Could have been the sword, and bayonet. They are like the crane technique. "If use proper, no defense!"
Dean
September 27, 2011 at 7:05 pm
Also, by DC law, they are not firearms. As long as they are in cases (which they were), they are completely legal.
The whole thing was a sham!!