On Wednesday, an American citizen piloted an aircraft through a no-fly zone and landed just outside the U.S. Capitol. 61-year-old Douglas Hughes flew from Maryland into the District of Columbia in order to deliver 535 letters to all the members of Congress. Hughes wanted to address to Congress his views on campaign finance laws through the letters.
Police officers quickly surrounded and arrested Hughes as soon as his aircraft landed on the lawn just in front of the Capitol. Hughes flew in on a gyrocopter that had space for only himself. After searching the vehicle authorities found no threat; they found only a box containing the letters for members of Congress.
The Tampa Bay Times reports that Hughes had been planning his flight to D.C. for about two and a half years. Hughes worked as a mailman in Ruskin, Florida and had told Tampa Bay of his plans. The postal worker decided he wanted to make a bold political statement through his actions, hoping to receive national attention.
"No sane person would do what I'm doing," Hughes told Tampa Times. He believes the United States government is corrupt and in need of change; specifically, campaign finance reform.
"There's no question that we need government, but we don't have to accept that it's a corrupt government that sells out to the highest bidder," said Hughes.
The mailman told Tampa Times that the idea to fly to D.C. and deliver letters regarding campaign reform came to him after his grown son committed suicide two and a half years ago. His son Joseph, 24 years of age, took his own life by driving his car into another vehicle, killing both drivers.
Hughes said his son's death made him realize that one needed to be bold to make a statement. "If you're willing to take a risk, the ultimate risk, to draw attention to something that does have significance, it's worth doing," he said. He was aware that he risked being shot down for his flight, but decided the statement would have a powerful effect either way.
The pilot is currently being held in a cell. For part of the day, the Capitol building was closed as a precaution. Some worry about Hughes's ability to land an aircraft in such a restricted space and the possible lack of security that allowed it.
