Feds Request Stay Away Order for DHS Employee Arrested

Federal prosecutors have asked a D.C. judge to issue a "stay away" order to prevent a U.S. Department of Homeland Security employee found with a gun inside agency headquarters from entering any DHS facilities.

The employee, Jonathan Wienke of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was found with a gun by security officers while he was on the job at agency headquarters on Nebraska Avenue in northwest D.C. two weeks ago, according to court filings obtained by the News-4 I-Team.

A federal agent and security officers also found Wienke had a knife, pepper spray, thermal imaging equipment and radio devices.

Wienke has been placed on administrative leave and federal agents are now investigating whether he was plotting an attack against senior Homeland Security officials.

Thursday, U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan addressed the case.

"I'm familiar with the reports. We want more information, but I am familiar with the reports and we're waiting for a further investigation," Ryan said.

Local members of Congress are calling for a review and said they are troubled that Wienke holds a top secret government security clearance.

"It seems crazy that a Homeland Security employee can get in with handcuffs and night vision goggles and a knife -- and worst of all, a weapon," said Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.).

"The fact that this was a federal employee and one at a secure agency is very unusual. That means we ought to look very closely at how they do their top-secret security clearances," said D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton.

Wienke has pleaded not guilty to a gun charge and is awaiting further court proceedings in the case.

News-4 has learned the U.S. Secret Service and Martinsburg Police Departments have also assisted in the investigation. News-4 was unable to reach Wienke or his attorney for comment.

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