Swift Arrest After Armed Approach to Capitol Grounds
Washington, D.C. — A tense security incident unfolded at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday afternoon when an 18-year-old man armed with a loaded shotgun ran from a parked vehicle toward the Capitol building, law enforcement officials confirmed. Police quickly intercepted the suspect and placed him in custody without any injuries reported.
Details of the Incident
According to authorities, the man arrived shortly after noon on February 17 and parked a white SUV near Maryland Avenue, close to the U.S. Botanic Garden. He exited the vehicle wearing a tactical vest and gloves, carrying a loaded shotgun and additional ammunition, and began sprinting toward the west side of the Capitol building.
Capitol Police officers confronted the suspect, ordered him to drop the weapon, and he complied before being taken into custody on the Lower West Terrace.
Items Discovered and Charges
When officers inspected the parked SUV, they found a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in addition to the firearm. The suspect, identified by police as Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Georgia, faces multiple charges including carrying a rifle without a license and possessing an unregistered firearm and ammunition.
Authorities said the suspect was not previously known to law enforcement, and the Capitol Police Threat Assessment team is investigating his possible motive, including whether there was any intent to target lawmakers. At the time of the incident, Congress was not in session.
Security and Preparedness
Officials underscored that the rapid response prevented any harm and noted that officers regularly train for active-shooter situations at the Capitol complex. The arrest occurred one week before the scheduled State of the Union address, but police said it will not affect security arrangements for the event.
