Summary: Carter Camacho, 18, is charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm on U.S. Capitol grounds after prosecutors say he ran up the Capitol steps carrying a loaded shotgun and told officers he wanted to speak with a member of Congress. Authorities say the shotgun held eight rounds with the safety off and an extra 17 rounds were attached to the weapon. Tactical gear — including apparent body armor, a gas mask and a Kevlar helmet — was found in his parked vehicle, and a knife was recovered along his route. Camacho remained in custody after an initial court appearance and faces a detention hearing in early March.
18-Year-Old Charged After Approaching U.S. Capitol With Loaded Shotgun — Told Officers He Wanted To Speak To Lawmaker
An 18-year-old who charged the US Capitol with a loaded shotgun while wearing a tactical vest was seen on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, US Capitol Police said. - United States Capitol Police
An 18-year-old man from Georgia, identified as Carter Camacho, is facing federal charges after prosecutors say he sprinted up the U.S. Capitol steps carrying a loaded shotgun and told officers he wanted to speak with a member of Congress. The criminal complaint filed against him and court records outline the encounter, the weapon and tactical gear recovered, and his initial federal court appearance.
What Happened
According to the federal complaint, Capitol Police officers observed Camacho running toward the Capitol with a shotgun in both hands. When an officer asked what he was carrying, Camacho lifted the shotgun in his right hand. He was ordered to drop the weapon and lie on the ground, and the complaint says he "immediately complied." When questioned, Camacho told officers he "was just there to talk to a Member of Congress."
An 18-year-old who charged the US Capitol with a loaded shotgun while wearing a tactical vest was quickly arrested Tuesday, February 17, 2026, US Capitol Police said. - United States Capitol Police
Weapon And Gear Recovered
Investigators described the shotgun as loaded with seven rounds in the tube and one in the chamber (eight rounds total) and noted the safety was off. An additional 17 rounds of ammunition were found in a carrier attached to the shotgun's stock. Authorities also recovered apparent body armor, a gas mask and a Kevlar helmet from the vehicle Camacho had parked nearby. A fixed-blade knife was located roughly 40 feet from the vehicle along the path Camacho took to the Capitol.
Court Appearance And Background
Camacho made his initial appearance in federal court on a charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm on Capitol grounds. He did not enter a plea and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for early March. In court, Camacho — who said he will be in his second semester of college — appeared in the same military-style fatigues he was wearing at the time of his arrest. He answered the judge's questions tersely, nodding and responding "OK" and "yes, your honor" when the judge informed him of his rights.
Agency Notes And Next Steps
United States Capitol Police said Camacho was not previously on their watch list before the encounter. Prosecutors included images in the court filing that they say show Camacho running up the Capitol steps with the shotgun before officers intercepted him. The case remains under investigation and Camacho is scheduled for a detention hearing in early March.
Note: The criminal complaint provides factual allegations; any charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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