Man Arrested Outside U.S. Capitol with Shotgun
Authorities are looking into why an 18-year-old man from Georgia, identified as Carter Camacho, allegedly charged toward the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday while armed with a loaded shotgun. This incident sparked a rapid response from the Capitol Police.
The event took place shortly before noon. Camacho, who hails from Smyrna, Georgia, parked his Mercedes SUV nearby, exited the vehicle, and ran several hundred yards toward the Capitol carrying the shotgun and extra ammunition.
Capitol Police intervened and managed to subdue him without any significant incidents, ordering him to drop the weapon and lie on the ground.
Reports indicate that Camacho was equipped with a tactical vest and gloves. Authorities also recovered a Kevlar helmet and gas mask from his vehicle, alongside multiple rounds of ammunition.
The area around the Capitol has since been cleared, and officials stated there are no additional suspects or ongoing threats.
Michael Sullivan, the Chief of U.S. Capitol Police, said the Threat Assessment Unit is investigating the reasons behind Camacho’s actions, considering whether he targeted any members of Congress. However, it’s worth noting that Congress was not in session at the time. There were no prior alerts concerning Camacho, according to officials.
Sullivan mentioned that video footage of the incident exists and urged the public to share any recordings they might have.
Interestingly, just this past summer, Capitol Police conducted active shooter training in the same location where Camacho was apprehended. Sullivan pointed out that these regular drills occur monthly and are designed to prepare officers for potential threats. He emphasized that without their presence, the outcome could have been much worse.
The charges against Camacho include criminal trespass, possession of an unlicensed rifle, and possession of unregistered ammunition. Sullivan remarked that he isn’t from the Washington area, adding that the SUV involved isn’t registered to him and carries multiple addresses.
This arrest comes just a week before President Trump is set to deliver his State of the Union address, but Sullivan reassured that it won’t alter security measures for the event. “We take the State of the Union very seriously,” he stated.
Similar security incidents have occurred at the Capitol in recent years, underscoring ongoing concerns surrounding safety in the area.
