Man with Shotgun Arrested Near U.S. Capitol

18-year-old Georgia resident said he just wanted to talk to members of Congress

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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An 18-year-old Georgia man named Carter Camacho was arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly parked his car near the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. and ran toward the Capitol with a loaded shotgun. Camacho told officers he was "just there to talk to Members of Congress", but was immediately apprehended by Capitol Police without incident.

Why it matters

The incident raises concerns about security and access to the U.S. Capitol, especially in the wake of the January 6th, 2021 attack on the building. It also highlights the challenges authorities face in determining the intentions of individuals who approach government buildings with weapons, even if they claim non-violent motives.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Camacho parked his white Mercedes SUV near the Capitol and then started running toward the building while carrying a loaded shotgun. Capitol Police officers on the scene ordered him to drop the weapon, and he immediately complied and was taken into custody. In addition to the shotgun, Camacho had extra ammunition, a tactical vest, gloves, and a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in his vehicle.

  • The incident occurred just after noon on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Carter Camacho

An 18-year-old Georgia resident who was arrested for allegedly running toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun.

Michael Sullivan

The Capitol Police Chief who provided details about the incident and arrest.

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What they’re saying

“He immediately complied, put down the gun, got on the ground and was then taken into custody.”

— Michael Sullivan, Capitol Police Chief (myclallamcounty.com)

“Who knows what could've happened if the officers were not standing guard.”

— Michael Sullivan, Capitol Police Chief (myclallamcounty.com)

What’s next

Camacho is expected to appear in court on Wednesday afternoon, where a judge will determine if he should be released on bail or remain in custody as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by authorities tasked with protecting the U.S. Capitol and other government buildings, underscoring the need for vigilance and robust security measures to prevent potential threats, even from individuals claiming non-violent intentions.