A man from Georgia was taken into custody after he ran onto the Capitol grounds while armed, expressing a desire to “talk to members of Congress,” based on court documents.
On Wednesday, Carter Camacho, 18, from Smyrna, Georgia, faced a federal court where he was denied bail.
According to officials, Camacho parked his Mercedes SUV near the Capitol, exited the vehicle, and approached the building with a loaded shotgun and extra ammunition in hand.
He was reportedly dressed in camouflage and wearing a bulletproof vest, as noted in the documents.
While climbing the steps to the Capitol, a Capitol Police officer inquired about what he was carrying.
Prosecutors indicated that Camacho lifted his right arm and reached for his Mossberg Model 88 12-gauge shotgun.
He complied when ordered to stop and lay on the ground.
Camacho told the Capitol Police that he merely wanted to speak with congressional members, as stated in the court records.
There was no mention of specific lawmakers he intended to address.
The shotgun was found loaded with seven rounds, and the safety mechanism was off, according to authorities.
They also discovered 17 extra rounds of ammunition stored in a carrier attached to the gun.
A knife was found near Camacho’s car as well.
The area surrounding the Capitol has since been secured and reopened.
He faces charges for unlawfully carrying a firearm on Capitol grounds.
His next court appearance is scheduled for March 2.
