And 18-year-old man from Georgia was arrested Tuesday, as he was running toward the U.S. Capitol building carrying a loaded shotgun.
The U.S. Capitol Police announced the shocking incident in a press release, as follows:
United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers surrounded and arrested a man who ran toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun.
The arrest happened shortly after noon on Tuesday, February 17, on the Lower West Terrace.
The suspect also had multiple rounds of ammunition and a tactical style vest.
USCP officers found the suspect’s SUV in front of the U.S. Botanic Garden on Maryland Avenue, SW. A gas mask and helmet were spotted inside the vehicle.
Thanks to the quick actions of the officers, no one was hurt.
“Just last summer, we held an active threat exercise on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol – in the very location where today’s officers stopped the suspect,” said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan. “These now routine exercises are planned monthly and in different areas of the Capitol Complex to keep our officers ready for potential threats just like this.”
The suspect, 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, GA, was arrested for Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Rifle without a License, Unregistered Firearm, and Unregistered Ammunition.
The USCP’s Threat Assessment Section is investigating to determine the suspect’s motive. He was not on file with the USCP.
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
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) wrote, “I appreciate the continued vigilance of the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police. Their actions deter crime and save lives.”
I appreciate the continued vigilance of the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police. Their actions deter crime and save lives. https://t.co/CiMtSzOdCU
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) February 17, 2026
U.S. Capitol Police release a photo of the weapon carried by a suspect arrested out on the West Front of the Capitol. “The suspect, 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, GA, was arrested” https://t.co/49fWr1CZNS pic.twitter.com/20q63EWFD6
— Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) February 17, 2026
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