18-Year-Old Arrested with Shotgun Near U.S. Capitol

Carter Camacho from Georgia apprehended before reaching building, raising security concerns

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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On February 17, 2026, 18-year-old Carter Camacho from Smyrna, Georgia, was arrested near the U.S. Capitol building while armed with a loaded shotgun. Camacho was quickly detained by U.S. Capitol Police officers without incident, preventing any potential harm. The arrest highlights ongoing security vulnerabilities at the Capitol and the rise in lone-actor threats, particularly involving young individuals.

Why it matters

The incident at the U.S. Capitol underscores persistent security challenges, despite rigorous policing measures and regular active-shooter drills. It raises concerns about the radicalization of young individuals and the need for enhanced threat profiling and mental health screenings to address youth extremism.

The details

Camacho parked a white Mercedes SUV near the Capitol grounds and advanced several hundred yards toward the building while carrying a combat-style shotgun loaded with multiple rounds of ammunition. He was wearing a tactical vest and gloves, suggesting premeditated intent. Capitol Police officers intercepted Camacho outside a public barricade, ordered him to drop the firearm, and he complied immediately. A search of his vehicle revealed additional ammunition, a Kevlar helmet, and a gas mask.

  • The incident occurred on February 17, 2026, around noon.
  • Capitol Police had conducted active-shooter drills at the exact site of the arrest last summer.

The players

Carter Camacho

An 18-year-old from Smyrna, Georgia, who was arrested for carrying a loaded shotgun toward the U.S. Capitol building.

Michael Sullivan

The Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police, who reported on the arrest and the department's preparedness for such incidents.

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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

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Carter Camacho out on bail.

The takeaway

This event highlights the efficacy of Capitol Police training and preparedness, but also exposes persistent security challenges at one of America's most symbolic government sites. It underscores the need for enhanced threat profiling and mental health screenings to address the rise in lone-actor threats, particularly involving young individuals.