Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 17 Feb 2026, 08:41 pm Print
US Capitol The arrested suspect was identified as Carter Camacho. Photo: US Capitol Police/website
An 18-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly ran toward the US Capitol carrying a loaded shotgun, authorities said.
The suspect has been identified as Carter Camacho, 18, of Smyrna.
According to a statement from the United States Capitol Police, the arrest took place shortly after noon on February 17 on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol.
Officers said the suspect was carrying multiple rounds of ammunition and was wearing a tactical-style vest at the time of his arrest.
Police also located the suspect’s SUV parked in front of the United States Botanic Garden on Maryland Avenue, SW. A gas mask and helmet were visible inside the vehicle, authorities added.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
“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,” Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan said.
“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,” he added.
The suspect has been charged with unlawful activities, carrying a rifle without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of unregistered ammunition.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing as they work to determine a possible motive.
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