Man Arrested with Loaded Shotgun Near US Capitol

Authorities investigating motive after 18-year-old charged with carrying rifle without license

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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An 18-year-old man from Smyrna, Georgia, named Carter Camacho, was arrested on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, after he charged towards the U.S. Capitol building armed with a loaded shotgun. Camacho was wearing tactical gear and had additional ammunition in his vehicle, raising concerns about the level of planning and intent behind the incident.

Why it matters

This event underscores the ongoing challenge of protecting government institutions from determined individuals targeting symbols of American democracy. The U.S. Capitol Police have been working to bolster security measures, but the availability of tactical gear and potential for online radicalization present complex security challenges.

The details

According to Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan, Camacho drove a Mercedes SUV to the Capitol area and ran 'several hundred yards' toward the west side of the building armed with a shotgun. He was apprehended by officers who ordered him to drop the firearm. Camacho was wearing a tactical vest and gloves, and his vehicle contained a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask. The shotgun was loaded, and he possessed additional ammunition.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Carter Camacho

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

Michael Sullivan

The Capitol Police Chief who provided details about the incident and the department's security measures.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, including whether members of Congress were specifically targeted.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing threat to government institutions and the need for a multi-layered approach to security, including enhanced physical measures, improved intelligence gathering, and regular active shooter drills to prepare law enforcement for potential attacks.