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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The incident occurred shortly after noon on Tuesday, on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol complex in Washington, D.C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan said<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis individual was challenged by U.S. Capitol Police officers and ordered to drop the weapon, which he did comply with,\u201d Sullivan said. \u201cHe laid down the weapon and then laid down on the ground and was taken into custody.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sullivan said the suspect was confronted \u201cright at the base of the steps leading to the Capitol,\u201d adding, \u201cWho knows what could have happened if we wouldn\u2019t have had officers here standing ground.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n No injuries were reported. The department\u2019s Threat Assessment Section is investigating to determine a motive. Police said Camacho was not previously on file with the agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a news release with the latest on our investigation: https:\/\/t.co\/bfNkK5EQSq<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/3YCanoVkWY<\/a><\/p>— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) February 17, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>