US Capitol Police Detain Armed Teenager in Security Scare
In a dramatic security incident, the US Capitol Police apprehended an 18-year-old man after he sprinted toward the west side of the Capitol building while carrying a loaded shotgun. The event triggered an immediate and robust law enforcement response, with officers swiftly intercepting the suspect to prevent any potential harm. Authorities have confirmed that the incident is currently under thorough investigation, with a key focus on determining whether members of Congress were the intended targets of this alarming act.
Details of the Arrest and Suspect Identification
According to Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan, the suspect, identified as Carter Camacho from Smyrna, Georgia, parked a Mercedes SUV in proximity to the Capitol before exiting the vehicle. He then ran several hundred yards toward the iconic building, armed with a shotgun. Officers on duty quickly intervened, ordering him to drop the weapon and lie on the ground, leading to his peaceful arrest without any injuries reported.
Chief Sullivan emphasized that the shotgun was loaded at the time, and the suspect was found in possession of additional ammunition. During the arrest, police recovered a tactical vest and gloves worn by Camacho, while a Kevlar helmet and gas mask were discovered inside the vehicle. Authorities have secured video footage of the incident and are appealing to the public for any additional recordings that could aid the ongoing investigation.
Charges and Background of the Detainee
Carter Camacho, who was not previously known to law enforcement and is not a resident of the Washington area, is currently being held on multiple charges. These include unlawful activities, carrying a rifle without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of unregistered ammunition, as detailed in a Capitol Police press release. Officials noted that the vehicle involved in the incident was not registered in his name, and he has multiple listed addresses, adding complexity to the case.
Security Preparedness and Historical Context
Chief Sullivan highlighted that the Capitol Police had recently conducted active shooter drills in nearly the same area where this incident occurred, underscoring the preparedness of the officers on duty. He remarked during a press briefing, "Who knows what would have happened if we hadn't had officers standing here?" This event echoes past security scares at the Capitol, such as the 2023 arrest of an Atlanta man armed with a rifle near the Senate.
Despite the arrest, officials have assured that security arrangements for the upcoming State of the Union address, scheduled a week after the incident, remain unchanged. The event is treated with the highest level of security planning, and authorities stress that this incident will not impact those preparations.
Broader Implications for Crime and Security in Washington DC
This security scare occurs amid broader discussions on crime and security in Washington DC. Authorities report that crime levels in the city have declined significantly in 2026 compared to 2025, which itself saw a sharp drop from the previous year. In August of last year, President Donald Trump declared an emergency in the city to address crime, resulting in the deployment of over 2,000 National Guard members and additional federal law enforcement personnel, many of whom remain stationed across Washington.
Separately, a recent encounter involving US Marshals led to the death of a Washington resident after authorities responded to a report of an armed individual allegedly threatening to kidnap and harm someone. That incident is also under investigation, with local activists calling for greater transparency from officials.
