Georgia Man Arrested for Rushing Capitol with Loaded Shotgun

Authorities investigating suspect's motive, potential threat to lawmakers

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An 18-year-old Georgia man named Carter Camacho was arrested after allegedly rushing toward the U.S. Capitol building while carrying a loaded shotgun and additional ammunition. U.S. Capitol Police intercepted Camacho and took him into custody without incident. Authorities are now investigating Camacho's motive, including whether members of Congress may have been an intended target, though Congress was not in session at the time.

Why it matters

The incident raises concerns about security at the Capitol, especially with the upcoming State of the Union address scheduled for next week. While Capitol Police conduct regular active shooter drills, this event highlights the ongoing threat of potential violence targeting the seat of the U.S. government.

The details

According to U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan, Camacho parked a Mercedes SUV near the Capitol, exited the vehicle, and ran several hundred yards toward the building while carrying a loaded shotgun and additional rounds of ammunition. Officers intercepted Camacho, ordered him to drop the weapon and get on the ground, and took him into custody without incident. Camacho was wearing a tactical vest and gloves, and a Kevlar helmet and gas mask were recovered from the SUV.

  • The incident unfolded just before noon on February 18, 2026.
  • The U.S. Capitol was cleared and reopened shortly after the arrest.

The players

Carter Camacho

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

Michael Sullivan

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

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Just last summer, we held an active threat exercise on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol – in the very location where today's officers stopped the suspect. These now routine exercises are planned monthly and in different areas of the Capitol Complex to keep our officers ready for potential threats just like this.”

— Michael Sullivan, U.S. Capitol Police Chief

“We do those active shooter exercises every single month, and that's why we do it. Who knows what could have happened if we didn't have officers here standing guard like they do every single day.”

— Michael Sullivan, U.S. Capitol Police Chief

What’s next

The U.S. Capitol Police's Threat Assessment Section is now investigating Camacho's motive, including whether members of Congress may have been an intended target. The incident does not alter security planning for the upcoming State of the Union address.

The takeaway

This event highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by the U.S. Capitol and the importance of the Capitol Police's proactive measures, such as regular active shooter drills, in protecting the seat of the federal government and its elected officials.