An 18-year-old man was arrested Monday after officers stopped him from advancing toward the United States Capitol with a loaded shotgun, authorities said. Officers with the United States Capitol Police spotted the suspect carrying what appeared to be a long gun near Capitol grounds in Washington, D.C. They quickly confronted him before he could enter restricted areas or breach any secured buildings. No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported. Officials indicated that the swift intervention may have prevented a far more serious incident, underscoring the heightened vigilance surrounding the Capitol complex in recent years.
Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan identified the suspect as 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Georgia. According to Sullivan, Camacho parked a Mercedes SUV near the Capitol and then ran several hundred yards toward the building while holding a shotgun. Officers ordered him to drop the weapon and get on the ground; he complied and was taken into custody without further incident. Authorities confirmed the shotgun was loaded and that Camacho had additional ammunition. He was also wearing a tactical vest and gloves, and investigators recovered a Kevlar helmet and gas mask from the vehicle. While officials have not disclosed a motive, they described the equipment as concerning. Camacho was charged with offenses including carrying a rifle without a license and possessing unregistered firearms and ammunition.
Sullivan noted that Congress was not in session at the time, and it remains unclear whether lawmakers were the intended targets. He stated that Camacho was not previously known to law enforcement and was not a local resident. The vehicle he drove was reportedly not registered in his name, and authorities said he has multiple listed addresses. Investigators are reviewing video footage from the scene and have encouraged members of the public to share any additional recordings. Federal and local agencies continue to examine the suspect’s background and any digital evidence that may clarify his intentions.
The arrest highlights ongoing security concerns at the Capitol complex following the January 6, 2021 attack. Since then, law enforcement agencies have maintained elevated protective measures and routinely conduct active shooter drills and coordinated response exercises. Officers patrol not only the Capitol grounds but also surrounding neighborhoods, prepared to respond immediately to armed individuals near federal property. Monday’s incident, officials said, demonstrates the operational readiness of Capitol Police and their coordination with partner agencies. Authorities have emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The arrest comes amid other recent security incidents involving federal sites in Washington. In September, the United States Secret Service detained a man who scaled a fence near the White House and crossed onto the grounds near the Treasury Building. He was arrested for unlawful entry, and officials said there was no impact to protective operations. That incident occurred on the same day Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visiting the White House, prompting additional scrutiny. On that day, a Secret Service SUV also caught fire outside the complex, though the blaze was quickly extinguished and contained.
The Capitol arrest also followed closely on the heels of a separate tragedy in Michigan, where a gunman opened fire inside a church, killing and injuring multiple people before setting the building ablaze. While authorities have stated there is no known connection between the two incidents, the timing heightened public concern about safety in both community and government spaces. Law enforcement officials in Washington reiterated that vigilance remains essential in protecting national institutions. As investigators continue to analyze evidence and pursue leads related to Camacho’s case, they maintain that rapid intervention likely prevented a potentially dangerous escalation, reinforcing the ongoing challenges of securing symbolic public landmarks in an open society.
