Prior to Shirk's arrest, Cornwall Police Department in Lebanon County issued an alert for him after he allegedly threatened to kill his wife and government officials, in addition to planning "suicide by cop" if confronted by law enforcement.
State police intercepted Shirk driving in Chambersburg, seizing a rifle, handguns and ammunition from his vehicle. Shirk was on his way to Washington, D.C., according to the release.
Shirk pleaded not guilty to the charges. He remains in custody for a trial scheduled to start April 5, according to the release.
The case was investigated by the FBI, state police, the Franklin County DA’s Office, Cornwall Police, and Washington D.C. Capitol Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaime M. Keating is prosecuting the case.