An 18‑year‑old man was arrested by U.S. Capitol Police on Tuesday after he ran toward the United States Capitol armed with a loaded shotgun, officials said. The incident took place just after noon on February 17 on the west side of the Capitol’s Lower West Terrace.

The suspect, later identified as Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Georgia, exited a parked Mercedes SUV and sprinted several hundred yards toward the iconic federal building while carrying the shotgun, according to Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan. Law enforcement officers stopped him before he reached the structure and ordered him to drop his weapon and lie on the ground, which he complied with, avoiding injuries to anyone present.

Tactical Gear and Additional Equipment Found

Police noted that Camacho was wearing a tactical vest and gloves at the time of his arrest. After securing him, officers searched his vehicle and discovered a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask, along with other tactical gear. The loaded shotgun was found to have additional rounds of ammunition, prompting multiple charges.

Camacho was taken into custody without further incident, and authorities confirmed there were no additional suspects or ongoing threats in the area. The swift response by Capitol Police helped ensure the situation was resolved quickly, underscoring training and preparedness measures at the federal complex.

Charges and Investigation Underway

Officials have charged the suspect with a series of offenses, including unlawful activities, carrying a firearm without a license, and possession of an unregistered firearm and ammunition. Details about Camacho’s motive remain unclear, and investigators from the U.S. Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section are reviewing evidence, including video footage, to determine whether there was any intended target or broader intent behind the actions.

Authorities noted that Congress was not in session at the time of the incident and reinforced that the event would not change security preparations ahead of next week’s State of the Union address. Chief Sullivan emphasized that active‑threat drills routinely conducted around the Capitol, including in the very area where the arrest occurred, helped officers remain ready for such scenarios.

Heightened Security Context

This event adds to a series of security challenges around the Capitol in recent years, highlighting ongoing concerns about threats against federal institutions. Despite the arrest, police reassured the public that the situation was contained, and investigations are continuing to better understand why Camacho approached the Capitol with a weapon.

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