An 18-year-old man from Georgia, reportedly armed with a loaded shotgun, was swiftly apprehended by U.S. Capitol Police as he approached the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday.
According to U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan, the incident occurred just before noon when Carter Camacho, hailing from Smyrna, Georgia, exited a Mercedes SUV and made his way toward the Capitol. He was carrying a loaded shotgun and additional ammunition.
“Last summer, we conducted an active threat exercise right on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol—the exact spot where our officers intercepted the suspect today,” Sullivan stated in a news release. “These regular exercises are part of our monthly routine, conducted in various locations within the Capitol Complex to ensure our officers are prepared for potential threats like this one.”
Officers managed to stop Camacho, ordered him to drop his weapon, and successfully took him into custody, Sullivan reported.
The U.S. Capitol Police confirmed that one individual was detained on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, outside the Capitol Building.
Sullivan noted that Camacho was equipped with a tactical vest, tactical gloves, and had a Kevlar helmet and gas mask inside his SUV. Authorities also found multiple rounds of ammunition.
Images taken at the scene showed authorities surrounding a vehicle. Camacho’s motive remains unknown.
He was arrested on suspicion of unlawful activities, carrying a rifle without a license, unregistered firearm, and unregistered ammunition.
Police identify Carter Camacho of Smyrna, GA as armed person arrested earlier at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. (USCP)
“I want to commend the officers for the brave service that they provided here today,” Sullivan said during a news conference. “Who knows what could have happened if we didn’t have officers here standing guard like they do every single day.”
Police identify Carter Camacho of Smyrna, GA as armed person arrested earlier at US Capitol in Washington, DC on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. (USCP)
Sullivan added just a few months ago, Capitol Police had an active shooter exercise on the West Front, virtually in the same spot as Tuesday’s incident.
“We do those active shooter exercises every single month, and that’s why we do it,” he said.
The area was later cleared and reopened. Police said there did not appear to be any other suspects or an ongoing threat.
