Virginia man caught, arrested for trying to sneak loaded gun, knives into DC synagogue on Shabbat

A Virginia man was arrested on Saturday morning for allegedly attempting to enter Washington Hebrew Congregation with a handgun and two pocket knives, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. 

Tyler Finn, 32, of Lynchberg, Virginia, entered the synagogue as part of a scheduled visit by a religious studies class at Liberty University, The Jerusalem Post reported. The class had previously visited as part of an interfaith dialogue, according to the synagogue. 

Finn arrived at the synagogue prior to the start of Shabbat services, where security officers say they discovered weapons during an entrance screening. Finn was detained until police arrived. 

Finn stated that he had brought the weapons over safety concerns for himself and others based on recent news reports, according to the police report. 

He was arrested and charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or a place of business. 

Liberty University said in a statement that it "deeply regrets the incident," and the school confirmed that Finn is enrolled as a student. 

"For the past 10 years, students have participated in these educational trips twice a year, joining the congregation for worship services and a Seder dinner as part of their learning experience," the university said. 

Finn complied with law enforcement and told police he had no intention of committing harm to others, the school added.