Georgia Man Arrested at Capitol with Loaded Shotgun

A man from Georgia was taken into custody after he ran onto the Capitol grounds with a loaded shotgun. He reportedly expressed a desire to speak with members of Congress, according to court documents.

Carter Camacho, an 18-year-old from Smyrna, appeared in federal court on Wednesday, where he was ordered to be held without bail. Authorities detailed how Camacho parked his Mercedes SUV near the Capitol, exited the vehicle, and headed straight for the building carrying a loaded shotgun along with extra ammunition.

Documents indicated he was dressed in camouflage attire and wearing a bulletproof vest. As he approached the building, a Capitol Police officer inquired about what he was carrying. At that moment, Camacho reportedly raised his arm, showcasing a Mossberg Model 88 12-gauge shotgun.

He complied with police instructions to stop and lie down. He then informed officers that he was only there to have a conversation with congress members, although the records did not specify any particular lawmakers he wished to address.

According to authorities, the shotgun was loaded with seven rounds and its safety mechanism was disengaged. Additionally, 17 more rounds of ammunition were located in a carrier attached to the shotgun.

Officers discovered a knife near Camacho’s vehicle, which was later removed from the area and reopened to the public. Camacho faces charges related to the illegal possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds, and his next court appearance is scheduled for March 2.