Armed Man Arrested Near U.S. Capitol

18-year-old claimed he wanted to speak with a member of Congress

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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An 18-year-old man named Carter Camacho was arrested near the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday while carrying a loaded shotgun and wearing full body armor. Camacho told police he just wanted to speak to a member of Congress, but was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm on Capitol grounds, which carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about security and access around the U.S. Capitol, especially in light of the January 6th attack in 2021. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in identifying and responding to potential threats, even from individuals without a known history.

The details

Camacho parked a Mercedes SUV near the Capitol and ran up the west steps towards the building while carrying a loaded Mossberg shotgun with the safety off. A Capitol police officer was able to stop and apprehend him. Camacho claimed he just wanted to speak to a member of Congress, and investigators also found a fixed-blade knife near where he parked his car.

  • The incident occurred just after 12 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Camacho made his first court appearance on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Carter Camacho

An 18-year-old man from Smyrna, Georgia who was arrested near the U.S. Capitol while carrying a loaded shotgun and wearing full body armor.

U.S. Capitol Police

The law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the U.S. Capitol building and grounds.

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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 will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Camacho to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges around the U.S. Capitol and the need for vigilance in identifying and responding to potential threats, even from individuals without a known history of violence or extremism.