An 18-year-old man, identified as Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Georgia, was apprehended by United States Capitol Police officers after running towards the US Capitol wearing a tactical vest and carrying a loaded shotgun. The arrest took place on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol following a swift response from the authorities. Camacho drove a white Mercedes-Benz SUV to the 100 block of Maryland Avenue Southwest before exiting the vehicle with the shotgun near the West Front of the Capitol.
Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan stated that officers challenged Camacho as he approached the Capitol, ordering him to drop the weapon and get on the ground, which he complied with. The suspect was taken into custody without any injuries. Sullivan praised the quick actions of the officers, emphasizing that their prompt response prevented any harm. Camacho, who was found wearing a tactical vest and carrying multiple rounds of ammunition, has been charged with various offenses, including Unlawful Activities and Carrying a Rifle without a License.
Authorities discovered a Kevlar helmet and gas mask inside the SUV, which was not registered in Camacho’s name. The USCP’s Threat Assessment Section is investigating the incident to ascertain the suspect’s motive. The episode led to a temporary closure of traffic in the area and a warning for people to avoid the vicinity. Despite the incident, security arrangements for President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address are not expected to change.
