Capitol Police seeking ex-aide to Trump’s labor secretary nominee over alleged congressional office break-in

A dramatic turn of events has unfolded in Washington, D.C., as a former aide to Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who was recently nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of Labor, is now at the center of a police investigation. According to Fox News, the U.S. Capitol Police are actively seeking the unidentified individual in connection with an alleged break-in at the Cannon House Office Building on Tuesday. The suspect, who previously worked for Chavez-DeRemer during her time in the U.S. House of Representatives, is believed to have gained unauthorized access to a locked door in the building around 4 p.m. The incident has raised eyebrows, especially given the aide’s lingering access to a parking pass for the facility. Investigators have obtained video footage of the suspect and are circulating his image—a man with a beard, wearing a hoodie—to congressional staff in hopes of identifying him. As of now, neither the Capitol Police nor Chavez-DeRemer’s team has commented publicly on the matter.

The break-in at the Cannon House Office Building, a hub for congressional activity, has drawn attention to the security measures in place within the U.S. Capitol complex. Authorities are taking the incident seriously, particularly given the sensitive nature of the location and the potential implications of such a breach. The suspect’s ability to enter the building, even after no longer being employed by Chavez-DeRemer, has sparked questions about how access credentials are managed and revoked for former staff members. The Capitol Police are likely reviewing their protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the release of the suspect’s image suggests that investigators are confident in their ability to identify him, though they are seeking the public’s assistance to expedite the process.

This development comes at a critical time for Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who has been nominated by President Trump to lead the Department of Labor. Chavez-DeRemer, the daughter of a Teamsters union member, resigned from her congressional seat in January to focus on her potential new role. Trump has praised her as a champion for American workers, highlighting her experience in bridging the gap between business and labor. He emphasized her commitment to expanding training programs, improving wages, and restoring manufacturing jobs. Despite her nomination, Chavez-DeRemer’s transition to the Labor Department is not yet guaranteed, as she awaits confirmation by the Senate. Her confirmation hearing is scheduled for Wednesday before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), where she will face questions about her qualifications and vision for the role.

Chavez-DeRemer’s political career has been marked by both achievement and challenge. The Oregon Republican served only one term in Congress before losing her re-election bid in November 2022 to Democrat Janelle Bynum. Her background in healthcare and labor issues, however, caught the attention of President Trump, who has expressed confidence in her ability to lead the Department of Labor. If confirmed, she would take on a pivotal role in shaping labor policies, from worker protections to job creation initiatives. This nomination has sparked debate among lawmakers and labor advocates, with some praising her bipartisan approach and others questioning her experience in federal labor matters.

The timing of the break-in incident could complicate Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation process, as it raises questions about her judgment in hiring and managing staff. While there is no evidence linking her directly to the alleged breach, the involvement of a former aide may draw scrutiny to her oversight during her time in Congress. Her team will likely need to address these concerns during her Senate hearing, emphasizing her commitment to accountability and professionalism. Additionally, the incident may overshadow her policy platform, shifting the focus to controversies surrounding her office rather than her vision for the Labor Department.

As the situation unfolds, the Capitol Police continue their search for the suspect, and Chavez-DeRemer prepares for her Senate testimony. The outcome of both the investigation and her confirmation hearing could have significant implications for her political future and the direction of the Department of Labor under the Trump administration. This incident serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in government service and the challenges of maintaining security in sensitive environments. For now, all eyes are on Washington as these two critical developments unfold simultaneously.