PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Pennsylvania congressman's press secretary has pleaded not guilty to a weapons charge after Capitol police say he carried a gun into a federal office building in Washington.

An attorney for Ryan Shucard says he entered the plea Saturday in D.C. Superior Court. Lawyer Jason Kalafat called the gun incident unintentional.

Shucard is the press secretary for Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Marino. He was released on his own recognizance.

Capitol Police say Shucard set off a metal detector Friday morning while entering the Cannon House Office building with a handgun and magazine.

Shucard was charged with carrying a pistol outside a home or business, which is a felony.

Shucard has worked since May for Marino, who represents northeastern Pennsylvania. Shucard has been placed on unpaid leave.