Webb Aide Released On Own Recognizance

WASHINGTON -- An aide to U.S. Sen. Jim Webb pleaded not guilty in front of a D.C. Superior Court magistrate judge on Tuesday.

Phillip Thompson, 45, who was released on his own recognizance, faces weapons violations following his arrest at the Russell Senate Office Building late Monday morning. Thompson was arrested after an officer stationed at an X-ray machine allegedly saw a 9 mm handgun in a bag he was trying to take into the building. Authorities said they also found two additional, fully loaded magazines.

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It was determined that Thompson, a former Marine, did not have a license to carry the gun in D.C., according to Capitol police. It is illegal to carry handguns in D.C.

Thompson has told police it was Webb's gun and that he inadvertently left it in his case after safekeeping it for Webb a few days before.

"It is no secret that I support the Second Amendment and have a concealed weapons permit for my self-defense," Webb said. "Beyond that, I am not going to add anything further. This is a pending legal matter, and out of consideration for Phillip, I don't believe it is appropriate to comment further."

Webb also said that he has never brought a gun to the Capitol and that he did not give the gun to Thompson.

The Virginia Democrat's office issued a statement Monday saying that Thompson's actions were an oversight.

"(Thompson) is a former Marine and trusted aide of the senator," the statement said. "We are still awaiting facts."

Thompson, who was held in custody overnight, has been charged with carrying an unlicensed handgun, possession of unregistered ammunition and possession of an unregistered firearm.

Thompson formerly was the editor of the Marine Corps Times, News4 reported. He is scheduled to appear in court again on May 1.

The Russell Senate Office Building is located across Constitution Avenue from the Capitol. Many congressmen have offices there.