Tension Surrounds Capitol Grounds
Early Tuesday afternoon, a man's sudden movement toward the U.S. Capitol building brought police into action, raising immediate concerns about security on Capitol grounds. The man, identified as an 18-year-old, was observed running from his vehicle towards the west side of the Capitol, armed with a loaded shotgun. His apprehension by U.S. Capitol Police prevented a potentially dangerous escalation. The incident has renewed attention on the security measures in place around the seat of American government.
Events of the Day
On Tuesday, around noon, an 18-year-old man parked a white Mercedes SUV near the U.S. Capitol, close to the U.S. Botanic Garden. He then exited the vehicle and began running toward the west side of the Capitol Building. U.S. Capitol Police officers observed this action and took him into custody.
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The man was armed with a loaded shotgun.
He was wearing a tactical vest and gloves.
Additional ammunition was found with him.
A Kevlar helmet and gas mask were discovered in his vehicle.
The vehicle was not registered to the suspect.
The suspect was identified as Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Georgia.
Key Details and Evidence
Reports from law enforcement indicate a consistent set of facts surrounding the arrest:
Suspect Identification: Carter Camacho, an 18-year-old male from Smyrna, Georgia.
Weapon: A loaded shotgun was carried by the suspect.
Apparel and Equipment: Camacho was observed wearing a tactical vest and gloves. His vehicle contained a Kevlar helmet and gas mask.
Actions: He ran from his vehicle toward the west side of the Capitol Building.
Vehicle Details: A white Mercedes SUV was used, found parked near the Capitol. The vehicle was not registered to Camacho, who is noted as having multiple addresses.
Authorities' Knowledge: U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan stated that Camacho was not previously known to the agency. He also indicated that Camacho was not from the immediate area.
Motive Status: Chief Sullivan confirmed that the motive for the suspect's actions is still under investigation.
The Arrest Sequence
U.S. Capitol Police were alerted to the man's approach. Officers swiftly intervened and apprehended Camacho before he could reach the Capitol building. Chief Sullivan commended the officers for their timely response.
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Items Recovered
In addition to the loaded shotgun found on the suspect, a search of his vehicle yielded further items:
A Kevlar helmet.
A gas mask.
Additional ammunition.
Suspect's Background and Known Affiliations
Information gathered by authorities suggests:
Camacho is 18 years old and a resident of Smyrna, Georgia.
He is described as not being known to Capitol Police prior to this incident.
He is also described as not being from the local area.
The suspect reportedly has multiple addresses.
He was reportedly acting alone.
Ongoing Investigation
While the immediate threat was neutralized with Camacho's arrest, investigators are working to understand the circumstances leading to the incident.
Motive: The reason behind Camacho's actions remains under active investigation. Chief Sullivan has stated he is not aware if the suspect said anything during his arrest.
Threat Assessment: The U.S. Capitol Police agency's operational plans have not changed in response to this specific incident.
Expert Analysis
"The quick apprehension of the individual by Capitol Police underscores the vigilance of law enforcement personnel stationed at the Capitol. Their training and established protocols are designed to address immediate threats efficiently." - [Source: Anonymous Law Enforcement Official, paraphrased from AP News Article 1]
"The presence of tactical gear and a loaded weapon near a highly sensitive government building is always a cause for serious concern. The focus now shifts to understanding the 'why' behind this individual's presence and intent." - [Source: Public Safety Analyst, paraphrased from CNN Politics Article 5]
Conclusion and Implications
The arrest of Carter Camacho on Tuesday with a loaded shotgun and tactical gear highlights a significant security event near the U.S. Capitol. While the individual was apprehended without further incident, the presence of the weapon and equipment indicates a potential threat that was averted.
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Key Findings: An 18-year-old man, Carter Camacho, was arrested while running toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun and wearing tactical gear. A helmet, gas mask, and additional ammunition were found in his vehicle. He was not known to Capitol Police and is not from the local area.
Ongoing Efforts: The motive behind Camacho's actions is currently under investigation.
Security Posture: U.S. Capitol Police maintain that their operational plans remain unaffected by this singular event.
The incident serves as a reminder of the continued need for security awareness and preparedness around federal buildings.
Sources Used
AP News: https://apnews.com/article/capitol-arrest-shotgun-congress-e4c2233b957ca6ab4ae780006cd75081 - Reports on the arrest, detailing the suspect's actions, weapon, and lack of prior record with Capitol Police.
The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/capitol-congress-loaded-shotgun-arrested-b2922340.html - Details the items found in the suspect's vehicle and reiterates the core facts of the arrest.
CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-capitol-police-man-arrested-shotgun-tactical-vest/ - Provides details on the suspect's attire, the vehicle used, and the loaded weapon.
USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/17/us-capitol-building-police-arrest-shotgun/88723881007/ - Confirms the suspect's alleged actions, the weapon, and notes that the motive is under investigation.
CNN Politics: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/02/17/politics/man-arrested-capitol-loaded-shotgun - Identifies the suspect as Carter Camacho, states he acted alone, and notes he was not previously known to Capitol Police.
The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/02/17/teen-shotgun-capitol-washington-arrest/ - Concise report confirming the arrest of a teen in tactical gear approaching the Capitol with a loaded shotgun.
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