The late Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy’s personal bodyguard was arrested at the U.S. Capitol Building in January 1986 for carrying unlicensed weaponry, including two submachine guns.

Kennedy had tapped the bodyguard’s services for an international trip, and had employed the bodyguard previously. United Press International (UPI) reported on the bodyguard’s arrest on January 15, 1986.

“Sen. Edward Kennedy’s private bodyguard, hired for a trip to South America, was arrested last week when he arrived at the Capitol with two submachine guns and ammunition, officials said Tuesday,” according to UPI.

“The bodyguard was identified as Charles Stein, 47, a former police officer in San Fernando, Calif., who has worked for the Massachusetts Democrat in the past, providing security on overseas trips. He was released on his own recognizance after appearing in court,” according to UPI.

Stein was packing quite the arsenal.

“Police, however, confiscated the two submachine guns — an Italian Beretta and an Israeli Uzi — and 146 rounds of ammunition. They also detained Stein, charging him with possession of weapons without a license. … The Washington Post quoted a source who said of the weapons, ‘We’re talking a small army,'” according to UPI.

Washington Democrats currently hope to ban assault weapons, like the kind illegally carried by the legendary Massachusetts Democrat’s bodyguard.

Follow Patrick on Twitter