Washington, April 16 (RHC)-- A small helicopter has landed on the U.S. Capitol's West Lawn in Washington, DC, prompting a security lockdown at the area. Capitol Police Public Information Officer Lieutenant Kimberly Schneider said that the incident happened on Wednesday after 1:00 p.m. The gyrocopter appeared to be decorated with the logo of the United States Postal Service.
She told reporters: "The U.S. Capitol Police continue to investigate with one person detained and temporary street closures in the immediate area.
Newspapers published a report on Wednesday about Hughes, who said he would land the aircraft on the lawn of the Capitol and deliver letters to members of Congress demanding reforms of election campaign funds.
Hughes reportedly said he was particularly upset by the Citizens United case, referring to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling decision that allowed unlimited independent spending by corporations in elections.
The 5-4 Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court in January 2010 freed corporations and labor unions to spend as much as they want on presidential and congressional elections. The decision helped open the floodgates of corporate spending in elections, rendering the average American voter almost voiceless and further boosting the influence of the rich in the electoral process.
Advocates for campaign finance reform say the Citizens United decision fundamentally changed the nature of politics in the United States and gave too much power to the very wealthy.