U.S. Capitol Police have detained an 18‑year‑old man after he ran toward the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., while carrying a loaded shotgun, authorities say. The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, around midday near the West Front of the Capitol, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
According to police, the young man — identified as Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Georgia — parked a white Mercedes SUV near the Capitol and then exited the vehicle wearing a tactical vest and gloves before running toward the building with the shotgun in his hands. Officers confronted him as he approached, ordered him to drop the weapon, and he complied without incident, laying the firearm on the ground before being taken into custody.
Police also found additional tactical gear, including a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask, along with extra ammunition inside his vehicle. Authorities said there appeared to be no immediate threat to the public once the suspect was detained, and there were no injuries reported during the arrest.
Camacho faces multiple charges, including Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Rifle Without a License, possessing an Unregistered Firearm, and Unregistered Ammunition, according to a statement from the U.S. Capitol Police. At this time, officials have not publicly stated a clear motive for his actions, and the investigation into why he approached the Capitol remains ongoing.
The incident occurred at a time when Congress was not in session, and police have said it will not affect planned security arrangements for upcoming events at the Capitol. Investigators from the Capitol Police’s Threat Assessment Section continue to work to determine what prompted the suspect’s behaviour and whether there were any broader intentions behind the act.
