Reporter falls on Capitol steps, reviving ghost rumors of 19th-century shooting

A reporter fell on the marble steps of the U.S. Capitol in July 2026, an incident that has renewed speculation about the haunting of the building. The fall occurred near the Memorial Door, interrupting an attempt to interview then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Chad, the reporter involved, stated he was descending a small staircase while holding a microphone. He explained that he likely caught the edge of his brown loafers on the lip of the stairs. He noted he was tired and wearing a tan summer suit. He did not feel anything specific on his shin or ankle before the fall.

Trudeau was descending a spiral staircase after a meeting with then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The reporter intended to ask Trudeau about a report that the Tampa Bay Rays might split their season between Florida and Montreal. This potential move would bring Major League Baseball back to Quebec, a city that lost its team to Washington in 2005.

The reporter had prepared the question based on knowledge that Trudeau watched the Montreal Expos in the 1980s. The Expos featured players such as Andre Dawson, Warren Cromartie, and Steve Rogers. Montreal had previously missed a chance at the World Series in 1994 due to a player strike.

As the reporter stepped forward to ask the question, he lost his balance. He rolled onto his right shoulder, a technique he learned during years of martial arts training. He landed on the hard Capitol floor. His photographer, Robert Fetzer, called out his name repeatedly during the incident.

The reporter rose quickly to his feet. He hoped Trudeau would comment on baseball, but the Prime Minister departed without speaking. The reporter described the moment as a strikeout, noting that journalism often involves failure and missed opportunities.

Colleagues and onlookers asked what caused the fall. Some speculated the reporter was clumsy. Others suggested a supernatural cause. The reporter dismissed the idea of clumsiness, citing his daily exercise routine and second-degree black belt in martial arts.

The location of the fall aligns with historical accounts of a ghostly presence. In February 1890, Rep. William Taulbee of Kentucky was shot by reporter Charles Kincaid. Kincaid had packed a pistol and shot Taulbee in the eye on the House's Y staircase. Taulbee died 11 days later.

Blood from Taulbee's injuries reportedly leaked down the staircase. The splotches are still visible on the marble today. Taulbee was known to dislike the press corps and had previously physically assaulted Kincaid. The ghost of the late congressman is said to lurk around ornate staircases.

The reporter acknowledged the historical context of the fall. He did not confirm a supernatural cause but noted the timing and location. He left the explanation open for others to decide.