Smyrna Teen Arrested with Loaded Shotgun at U.S. Capitol

18-year-old pleads not guilty to federal charges after officers found weapon, ammunition, and protective gear on Capitol grounds

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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An 18-year-old from Smyrna, Georgia was arrested in February after allegedly bringing a loaded shotgun to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The teen has now pleaded not guilty to federal charges related to the incident.

Why it matters

The arrest raises concerns about security at the Capitol and the potential threat of violence from individuals traveling to the nation's capital. It also highlights the ongoing challenges of preventing armed individuals from accessing sensitive government buildings.

The details

According to court documents, the 18-year-old suspect, whose name has not been released, drove from Smyrna to the U.S. Capitol and was found to be in possession of a loaded shotgun, ammunition, and protective gear. He was arrested on the Capitol grounds and has now pleaded not guilty to federal charges.

  • The teen was arrested in February 2026 on the U.S. Capitol grounds.

The players

Smyrna Teen

An 18-year-old from Smyrna, Georgia who was arrested for allegedly bringing a loaded shotgun to the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. Capitol

The seat of the United States Congress and a highly secure government building in Washington, D.C.

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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 the Smyrna teen out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing security concerns at the U.S. Capitol and the need for vigilance in preventing armed individuals from accessing sensitive government buildings, especially in the wake of past incidents of violence and unrest.