Police identify suspect arrested for running toward Capitol with shotgun

The suspect arrested outside the Capitol was 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Ga.

Published: February 18, 2026 10:00am

Police have identified the suspect who was arrested for running toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun.

According to U.S. Capitol Police, the suspect arrested on Tuesday was 18-year-old Carter Camacho of Smyrna, Ga. Camacho was arrested for Unlawful Activities, Carrying a Rifle without a License, Unregistered Firearm, and Unregistered Ammunition.

He allegedly had multiple rounds of ammunition and a tactical-style vest, and inside his SUV parked in front of the U.S. Botanic Garden, officers found a gas mask and helmet.

No one was injured during the incident.

Camacho was not on file with the USCP, and the department's Threat Assessment Section is investigating to determine his motive.

"This individual was challenged by United States Capitol Police officers in order to drop the weapon, which he did comply with," USCP Chief Michael Sullivan said at a news conference on Tuesday. "He laid down the weapon and then laid down on the ground and was taken into custody by our United States Capitol Police officers."

Congress is out of session this week, and lawmakers are not expected to return to the Capitol until Monday.

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News