Georgia man arrested after running toward U.S. Capitol with loaded shotgun

An 18-year-old Georgia man who ran toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun has been arrested, according to U.S. Capitol Police. He was confronted at the base of the Capitol steps and was wearing a tactical vest when taken into custody.

The incident occurred shortly after noon on Tuesday, on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol complex in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan said officers spotted a white Mercedes SUV parked in the 100 block of Maryland Avenue Southwest and saw a person exit the vehicle with a shotgun and begin running toward the Capitol.

“This individual was challenged by U.S. Capitol Police officers and ordered to drop the weapon, which he did comply with,” Sullivan said. “He laid down the weapon and then laid down on the ground and was taken into custody.”

Authorities identified the suspect as 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Georgia. He was arrested on charges of Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Rifle without a License, Unregistered Firearm, and Unregistered Ammunition.

Police said the shotgun was loaded and that Camacho had additional rounds of ammunition on him. He was also wearing a tactical-style vest and gloves.

Inside the SUV, officers saw a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask. The vehicle was not registered to Camacho, and he does not live in the Washington area, Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the suspect was confronted “right at the base of the steps leading to the Capitol,” adding, “Who knows what could have happened if we wouldn’t have had officers here standing ground.”

No injuries were reported. The department’s Threat Assessment Section is investigating to determine a motive. Police said Camacho was not previously on file with the agency.

Here is a news release with the latest on our investigation: https://t.co/bfNkK5EQSq pic.twitter.com/3YCanoVkWY

— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) February 17, 2026