An 18-year-old from Georgia, who was apprehended with a loaded firearm on the U.S. Capitol grounds, reportedly intended to speak with a member of Congress, court documents reveal.
The suspect, identified as Carter Camacho from Smyrna, Georgia, appeared in a federal court on Wednesday, where the judge decided to hold him without the option of bail.
According to authorities, Camacho parked his Mercedes SUV near the Capitol before exiting the vehicle and making his way toward the building with a loaded shotgun and extra ammunition.
Documents describe him as wearing body armor and camouflage-style attire during the incident.
As Camacho climbed the steps to the Capitol, a U.S. Capitol Police officer in uniform inquired about the item he was carrying.
In response, Camacho reportedly raised his right arm, revealing a Mossberg Model 88 12-gauge shotgun, federal prosecutors stated.
He complied with orders to halt and get on the ground.
“He also told USCP officers he was just there to talk to a Member of Congress,” court records state.
Court documents did not say if Camacho mentioned a specific lawmaker.
The shotgun was loaded with seven rounds and the safety was off, authorities said.
An additional 17 rounds of ammunition were stored in a carrier attached to the stock of the weapon, authorities said.
Near Camacho’s vehicle, officers found a knife.
The area outside the Capitol was later cleared and reopened.
Camacho was charged with unlawful possession of a gun on Capitol grounds.
His next court date is March 2.
