U.S. Capitol Police Apprehend Armed Man Near Capitol Building: Incident Details and Response
An 18-year-old man from Georgia was apprehended by U.S. Capitol Police after he ran towards the West Front of the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun. The man, identified as Carter Camacho, was swiftly intercepted by officers and taken into custody without any further incident. He was found to be carrying additional rounds of ammunition and was wearing tactical gear.
The incident unfolded when Camacho parked a Mercedes SUV near the Capitol and ran towards the building with the weapon. Authorities recovered a Kevlar helmet, gas mask, and more ammunition from the vehicle. The area outside the Capitol was cleared and reopened, with no ongoing threat reported.
The U.S. Capitol Police are investigating Camacho's motive, including whether members of Congress were targeted. The Threat Assessment Section is looking into the incident, as Congress was not in session at the time. Video footage of the incident is available, and the public is encouraged to provide any additional recordings.
Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan emphasized the importance of active threat exercises conducted regularly by the department. Camacho faces charges related to unlawful activities, carrying a rifle without a license, and possession of unregistered firearms and ammunition. The incident occurred just before President Donald Trump's scheduled State of the Union address, but security planning for the event remains unchanged.
Security incidents at the Capitol have occurred in the past, highlighting the importance of maintaining vigilance and preparedness. The swift response by U.S. Capitol Police in apprehending the suspect underscores the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring the safety and security of government buildings and officials.