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Associated Press
Friday, February 5, 1999; Page A18

A spectator from the District was arrested at President Clinton's impeachment trial yesterday after he rose in the Senate gallery and shouted, "Good God almighty, take the vote and get it over with."

Richard Douglas Llamas, 48, of the 2500 block of 13th Street NW, was immediately escorted from the gallery, said U.S. Capitol Police Lt. Dan Nichols. Llamas was taken to Capitol Police headquarters and charged with disruption of Congress, a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $500 fine.

Nichols said Llamas, who listed himself as unemployed, was taken to the D.C. central cellblock pending arraignment in D.C. Superior Court this morning.

The disruption reminded senators that Congress can be a risky place. Sen. Connie Mack (R-Fla.) said, "When people stand up and do that, it does create a little concern."

But Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) said, "I think we've been lucky not to have more of them."

Compiled from reports by staff writer Allan Lengel, the Associated Press and Reuters