Man Arrested After Running Toward US Capitol With Shotgun

Capitol Police Chief says motive under investigation, Congress not in session at time of incident.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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U.S. Capitol Police in Washington, D.C. arrested an 18-year-old man named Carter Camacho from Smyrna, Georgia after he parked a Mercedes SUV near the Capitol, got out, and ran several hundred yards toward the building while armed with a loaded shotgun. Police intercepted Camacho, who was also wearing a tactical vest and gloves and had a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in the vehicle.

Why it matters

The incident raises concerns about security around the U.S. Capitol, especially with the upcoming State of the Union address scheduled for next week. While Congress was not in session at the time, the potential threat to lawmakers and the public is concerning. The arrest also comes amid ongoing efforts to address crime in Washington, D.C. following a declaration of emergency by former President Trump in 2025.

The details

Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan said Camacho was arrested and charged with unlawful activities, carrying a rifle without a license, possessing an unregistered firearm, and having unregistered ammunition. The vehicle Camacho used was not registered to him, and he has multiple addresses. Sullivan said the department has video footage of the incident and is asking the public for any additional footage they may have.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The State of the Union address is scheduled for next week.

The players

Carter Camacho

An 18-year-old man from Smyrna, Georgia who was arrested for running toward the U.S. Capitol building while armed with a loaded shotgun.

Michael Sullivan

The Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police, who provided details about the arrest and ongoing investigation.

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What they’re saying

“Who knows what would have happened if we wouldn't have officers standing here?”

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

What’s next

The judge will decide on Camacho's bail status in the coming days, and the investigation into his motive and any potential ties to extremist groups is ongoing.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges around the U.S. Capitol, especially with high-profile events like the State of the Union address. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of crime reduction efforts in Washington, D.C. and the need for continued vigilance to protect lawmakers and the public.